Political Quotes

“after five years, thousands of lives lost, and hundreds of billions of dollars spent and trillions to go, the amendments adopted today are the beginning of a solution in Iraq. These amendments mandate the beginning of withdrawal, setting us on a path out of Iraq, and support critical domestic and international priorities. The language offers some of the same prescriptions in my own Iraq legislation, including a ban on permanent bases and an increase in contractor oversight. All too often we hear reports of billions of dollars our contractors can't account for, or the hiring of individuals our troops can't rely on. This war will cost over $3 trillion, and I am pleased to see some funding shifted to cover more of our international obligations. I authored legislation to help the 4 million displaced Iraqis and I support the funding in this bill for migration and refugee assistance and international disaster assistance. We have a responsibility to the Iraqi people, and as we have an obligation to provide for our own. Part of remedying this tragedy will be rebuilding the health and readiness of our armed forces. In my state, the Oregon National Guard's 41st Combat Brigade Team has served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, and is scheduled to deploy again in 2009. When they return, these brave men and women deserve the best care this country can provide and the least we can do is make sure education and retraining is available and affordable.”