Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to this $533 billion Defense authorization bill. But, Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today does have a very important provision in it: language preventing the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq. This is an important first step in taking the targets off the backs of our troops in Iraq by showing the world that we have no designs to stay in Iraq permanently. However, this provision will only apply to funds for FY07. We need to make the policy of the United States not to have permanent military bases in Iraq. Furthermore, it's unfortunate that this bill is the vehicle for this critical policy. Mr. Speaker, I believe that our Nation is best defended by funding priorities that make our Nation and world safer. This bill, I'm sorry to say, does not do that. Mr. Speaker, what does it say about our priorities when Congress authorizes nearly $70 billion more for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan without any direction, or exit strategy? What it says, Mr. Speaker, is the priorities of the Bush administration are grossly misplaced.”