Chris Chocola: “I rise with great reluctance in opposition to this amendment from my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Indiana…”

“I rise with great reluctance in opposition to this amendment from my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence); but I feel it is important that I must speak out about what I view is the right thing to do. I am joined by many of my colleagues who have been to Iraq. Certainly I cannot speak for every Member who has been to Iraq, but everyone that I have spoken with has seen the hope and seen the optimism, seen the possibilities that our support of the Iraqi people can bring, not only to Iraq but to all Americans here at home. We realize this is not only an investment in the Iraqi people; this is an investment in the future generations of America. Because if we can help the Iraqi people build a secular, strong, free government and a viable economy, the ripple effects of freedom and democracy and stability will reach our shores in great waves. Mr. Chairman, I will say that we will be paid back, that we must make this a grant; but we will be paid back in the dividends of freedom and hope and stability and more security right here in our country. And I think that is the most valuable dividend we could ever receive.”