Steve Israel: “I fully respect the views of the gentleman from California, but I do get troubled when I hear anybody on this floor…”

“I fully respect the views of the gentleman from California, but I do get troubled when I hear anybody on this floor questioning the commitment of any other Member of this floor to our troops. I did not suggest for a moment that the other side was not supportive of our troops when they underfunded our troops, when they didn't provide enough up-armor for their Humvees, when they didn't provide enough armor for their vests, when they allowed Water Reed Hospital to deteriorate. When these things happened, I never questioned the commitment of the other side to our troops. And I think we would all appreciate it if we confine our differences to honest policy debate and not suggest that any Member of this body does not support the brave men and women who are fighting for our country. I support this resolution because it is another attempt at good-faith, honest compromise with the President of the United States. Two weeks ago we offered a compromise to the President. We said we will give you everything that you have asked for, for operations in Iraq, and we will give you more for operations in Afghanistan, where the war on terror began. We will give you more money for Walter Reed, for post-traumatic stress disorder, for traumatic brain injuries. And the President said, no thanks. I want a blank check and I want to be able to spend a blank check eternally.”