Charles W. Stenholm: “$87 billion is a lot of money to add to our already exploding debt. There is no question we will be in Iraq for a long…”

“$87 billion is a lot of money to add to our already exploding debt. There is no question we will be in Iraq for a long time at great additional expense to American taxpayers. Many of us are willing to make tough choices to pay for these costs. The cost of freedom and justice is great, but it demands great commitment and sacrifice by all of us who enjoy its benefits. Since the leadership of this body will not even allow us to consider options to pay for these costs, the least we can do is require a portion of the spending on rebuilding Iraq to be repaid by those who will benefit most from that spending. Every dime we spend in Iraq will come from borrowed money added to our national debt. It is extremely irresponsible for us to expect the young men and women who are making great sacrifices in Iraq today to also bear the burden of the financial debts for rebuilding Iraq once they return home. I urge a vote for this motion to recommit.”