Charles Skelton: “I say ``authorized.'' The Armed Services Committee has collectively supported authorizing this funding to ensure the…”

“I say ``authorized.'' The Armed Services Committee has collectively supported authorizing this funding to ensure the continued relevance of the committee and to make sure that the specific purposes for which the President has requested funds are actually related to the wars. In both the House and Senate versions of the bill, we have authorized this funding in a way that provides maximum flexibility for the leadership as well as for the appropriators. While we authorize funding, as my friend from California knows, nothing can happen without further action on an appropriations bill, and it is those appropriations bills that have served as the vehicles for the Iraq debate. The House recently passed a bridge supplemental fund that would change our policy in Iraq. We may very well have similar debates in the future, and I would hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would be forthcoming with their suggestions on how to address the strategic risk we incur by pursuing the President's failed policy.”