Mike Conaway: “I want to speak against this Progressive Caucus budget in the strongest terms available. Over the last couple of weeks…”

“I want to speak against this Progressive Caucus budget in the strongest terms available. Over the last couple of weeks, I have somewhat tongue in cheek talked about when the Defeat in Iraq Caucus and when the Defeat in Afghanistan Caucus get their way that it won't be long before they declare a defeat dividend. As you recall in the 1990s when the Soviet Union failed, this Chamber and others declared a peace dividend. They took money that would have otherwise supported our troops in the fight and spent it somewhere else. I thought it would take until the defeat actually occurred, but I come today and find that the Progressive Caucus has already declared a $781 billion defeat dividend. We have men and women in harm's way right now giving their lives for this country. Whether you agree with it or not, that is what they are doing. Where was this group last week when they said let's keep them in the fight for 17 more months? Why did you stand up and say that was okay and yet call what they are doing the single largest waste of taxpayer money in American history? You cannot have it both ways. Vote your convictions. Get them out of Iraq now. That is a legitimate position to defend. But to say we are going to keep them there for 17 more months, strip them of $781 billion in flak jackets and up-armored Humvees and all of the things you would take away from them is simply unfair and unconscionable.”