Political Quotes

“by refusing to take responsibility for their failed policy in Iraq, the Bush administration has effectively forced Congress to intervene to bring it to a responsible end. Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Obey, Majority Whip Clyburn, Chairman Murtha and the Democratic leadership do deserve credit for recognizing this and for doing something that the Republican Congress refused to do over the last 4 years, namely, that is to confront the Bush administration over their failed policy and to commit to bring that policy to an end in Iraq. But that is a very important step. However, for some of us the question of voting for funds to continue this war with strings attached and no real enforcement really does keep our troops in harm's way. I am disappointed we will not have the opportunity to vote on the Lee-Woolsey-Waters-Watson amendment which would fully fund the safe withdrawal of U.S. troops and contractors by December 31, 2007. The American people want this, and I will continue to push to fully fund the safe withdrawal of our troops from Iraq and for timelines for withdrawal that are backed up, mind you, backed up by the appropriations power, and that is the power of the purse which the Constitution grants to the Congress. Too many lives have been lost, too many lives have been shattered.”