Joe Wilson: “Tomorrow the International Relations Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation is scheduled to review the Volcker…”

“Tomorrow the International Relations Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation is scheduled to review the Volcker Interim Report on the United Nations Oil-For-Food Program. I would like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), the subcommittee chairman, for their leadership on this important issue. While the United States prides itself as being 'the premier vehicle for furthering development in poorer countries,' its Oil-For-Food Program allegedly furthered Saddam Hussein's dictatorship over the Iraqi people. During my travels to Iraq, I have seen the numerous palaces of Saddam Hussein and the devastation his rule left on the people of Iraq. I am outraged to think a U.N.-sponsored program designed to help the Iraqi people was so easily corrupted and manipulated to serve the dictatorship's interests. The diverted funds should be recovered for the people of Iraq. I strongly support the legislation offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) entitled United Nations Oil-for-Food Accountability Act. This legislation would require the United States to withhold a portion of its U.N. contributions until the U.N. fully cooperates with the Oil-for-Food investigation. American taxpayer dollars should not support programs or people who obstruct our efforts to promote democracy and spread freedom throughout the world. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.”