Jerry Moran: “I address the House today to call for a higher level of political dialogue and to request that we set aside the recent…”

“I address the House today to call for a higher level of political dialogue and to request that we set aside the recent onslaught of partisanship concerning the war in Iraq. Being in Kansas over the last several weeks has reminded me of the need to come together, to unify behind our forces fighting overseas. While not everyone will agree on the reasons they got there or whether these reasons justify war, the reality is that American soldiers are engaged in battle. Our troops are fighting for the rights that we have in this Chamber that we must uphold: The cause of liberty, of justice, and freedom from oppression. This Congress adopted a resolution authorizing the use of force on October 16, 2002 with a vote of 296 to 133. In recent weeks we have seen the reports of some of the deadliest fighting of the war. We have received reports daily that another soldier has been killed and that another young person has died. Timing is important and priorities must be established. I believe there are legitimate questions to be asked and answered about intelligence that we received before the war, but now we have thousands of troops that are depending upon Americans to unite behind their efforts. Partisan fingerpointing surrounding the 9/11 Commission is not productive, either to the Commission or to the troops. It undercuts the jobs our troops have loyally agreed to do.”