Frank Lautenberg: “over the weekend the Senate passed my resolution, S. Res. 338, to honor the first 2,152 troops who have died in Iraq and…”

“over the weekend the Senate passed my resolution, S. Res. 338, to honor the first 2,152 troops who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan by listing their names and hometowns in the Congressional Record. They deserve this tribute for their valiant support of their military obligations. I appreciate the support of my colleagues on this measure. It is a symbolic way for us to honor each of our fallen heroes individually. But there is another way we can honor their memory. And that is to be honest and truthful about the war in which they fought--Iraq. The President has taken small steps toward candor on Iraq, but the denial of reality is still apparent in his speeches. To make matters worse, the President is still making insulting insinuations about those who criticize his Iraq policy. In his Sunday night address to the nation, President Bush said: Some look at the challenges in Iraq and conclude that the war is lost, and not worth another dime or another day. Does this statement suggest that those who disagree with the President would not even spend a trivial amount to protect America's international interests? The President states that the sacrifices in Iraq are made in dimes and days. But what about lives? What about the more than two American lives given each day so far this year in Iraq? The President didn't mention that. I have gone to many memorial services and funerals for brave, young Americans from New Jersey who died in Iraq.…”