Ed Whitfield: “since September 11, 2001, the American people, in fact, people throughout the world have lived in particularly…”

“since September 11, 2001, the American people, in fact, people throughout the world have lived in particularly tumultuous times. As a result of that, our Nation finds itself in deficit spending for the first time in 4 years. There is no question that the American people are a compassionate and generous people and they want to help the people of Iraq. But we also have needs in America today, transportation needs, health care needs, educational needs. So at this time of deficit spending I want to commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence) for his commonsense and practical approach to solve the funding needs in Iraq. His amendment simply says that we will give 50 percent of the $20 billion, approximately, as a grant to the Iraqi people that would not need to be repaid. But the other 50 percent would be a loan, once the President of the United States, President Bush, determines and certifies to the Congress that a democratically-elected government in Iraq has been established. I want to commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence) for his amendment and urge Members to support it.”