Steve Israel: “I rise with respect to this resolution, H. Res. 861. Mr. Speaker, I pride myself on being unapologetically supportive of…”

“I rise with respect to this resolution, H. Res. 861. Mr. Speaker, I pride myself on being unapologetically supportive of a robust military. I do believe that President Wilson was correct when he said the United States can help make the world safe for democracy. I believe that we must stand decisively against totalitarianism in whatever form it takes--and today, it takes the form of a twisted misinterpretation of Islam that is radical, extremist, and murderous. And nothing is more important to me, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, than supporting and honoring our troops. Sadly and cynically, Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us has not been drafted to unify the American people around these principles. It has been drafted to divide the American people based on politics. This resolution--a nonbinding sense of the House--is not a policy statement. It is a political strategy. It is designed not to win the war in Iraq, but to win elections at home. First, Mr. Speaker, let there be no mistake about the legislative intent of this resolution.…”