Barbara Mikulski: “I will state some of my principles as we debate the supplemental appropriations on Iraq. One year ago, America was on…”

“I will state some of my principles as we debate the supplemental appropriations on Iraq. One year ago, America was on the brink of war. Congress debated then whether America should go it alone to confront Saddam Hussein or get international support to bring the world with us. This week, Congress takes up a nearly similar debate: Do we go it alone or do we find a way to share the burden and the cost of the war? Who should pay for the occupation and reconstruction of Iraq? According to the Bush administration, the answer is the American taxpayer, to the tune of $87 billion. I agree that as we consider this debate, we should have four principles to guide our thinking. First, there must be international burden sharing. If the stability of Iraq is in the world's interest, then the world should help pay for the reconstruction. The administration must be more aggressive in the pursuit of reconstruction funds from other countries and other international institutions. Second, wherever possible, American aid should be loans, not giveaways. Iraq has the world's second largest oil reserves. These oil fields are capable of pumping out millions of barrels a day. That should translate into billions of dollars. Those profits should help with the reconstruction. Third, we must always be clear that we support our troops. These are ordinary men and women called to do extraordinary and dangerous and difficult missions. They put their lives at risk to serve our country.”