Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to voice deep concern about what is happening in our war with Iraq, what is happening within our country, and a…”

“I rise to voice deep concern about what is happening in our war with Iraq, what is happening within our country, and a lack of direction that is pronounced as far as I am concerned. We hear the political debate that goes on: What is your plan for getting us out of Iraq? Well, what is yours? Since our Commander in Chief is in charge, I would think that he would lead the country and lead the direction of the campaign, telling the American people about when it is we are going to be able to expect our troops to come home, when these families will be reunited. Last week, the 33rd soldier from New Jersey died in Iraq. Our country has now lost a total of 1,018 of our troops in Iraq. Of these deaths, 877 troops have died since the President announced that major combat operations in Iraq were over, finished. He made that announcement during a political appearance on an aircraft carrier on May 1, 2003. If we look at this picture, we see our sailors lined up. I know what they are thinking. I was a veteran, and I remember so vividly when I was on a ship bound for Japan after serving in Europe and the war suddenly ended and how relieved I was. I was concerned for myself, of course, but I was concerned for my brothers and sisters in arms as well. So these sailors are standing at attention, and there were rousing cheers when the President made his statement. And he boldly declared: "Mission accomplished." It turned out to be more theater than reality.”