Political Quotes

On the recordOctober 16, 2003
it was wrong to give this administration a blank check to wage unilateral war, and it is wrong to give them a blank check to rebuild Iraq. Total spending in Iraq is now approaching $200 billion of borrowed money, with no end in sight. We need to spend less, spend smarter and put someone in charge who knows what they are doing. None of this controversy should prevent our providing our troops with the support they deserve. They will ultimately get flak jacket liners, protective vehicles, and for their basic needs like safe drinking water. It is just sad that it is taking so long. It is not the time to approve this reconstruction package, 10 times the size of the Marshall Plan even after being adjusted for inflation (on a per capita basis). It is not being administered by the right people. I will offer an amendment to shift it to the State Department and USAID. Our troops, the Iraqi people, and the American public deserve this to be done right.
Said by
Earl Blumenauer
Democratic · Oregon

Editor's note · Context

Addressing concerns over U.S. spending and administration of reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

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