On the recordMay 16, 2012
This bill also authorizes a total of $642 billion for defense programs, including $88.5 billion to continue the Afghanistan war, on top of the more than $1.3 trillion we've spent thus far. It contains dangerous language that would pave the path for a war with Iran. H.R. 4310 says the U.S. should take all necessary measures, including military action, to prevent Iran from having nuclear technology--this, despite the fact that Secretary of Defense Panetta and the Joint Chiefs of Staff have spoken out against a strike in Iran. What's Congress spoiling for another war for? Now, we've spent trillions of dollars for war to wage violence thousands of miles away, and we've become anesthetized to the violence of war against millions of innocent women, children, and men abroad. It's no wonder that we're grappling with how best to deal with domestic violence. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
