Barbara Mikulski: “Last night, President Bush asked the American people to support a surge of military troops in Iraq. Many are using the…”

“Last night, President Bush asked the American people to support a surge of military troops in Iraq. Many are using the term ``surge,'' though the President didn't. Make no mistake, this is a dramatic escalation of our troop presence in Iraq. In the debate leading into the President's speech, the term ``surge'' was used, which implied something that was limited and temporary. An escalation is where we are heading, which means a long-term commitment with no end in sight. We are in a hole in Iraq, and the President says the way to dig out of this hole is to dig deeper. Does that make sense? When you are in a hole, do you get out by digging deeper? This is a reckless plan; it is about saving the Bush Presidency, it is not about saving Iraq. Before Congress can act on this plan--and act we must--there are several questions that need to be answered. I need those answers, you need those answers, the American people need those answers and, more importantly, our troops and their families need those answers.”