On the recordMay 16, 2007
The United States are liberators, we are not occupiers. And yet, our enemy is propagandizing to the people that they are trying to convert to their cause that we are there permanently to take their oil, to control their government, to control their actions. And if we pass this amendment, we are confirming what our enemy is trying to suggest in generating more support against the American cause. As I say, we have always gone in to liberate, not to occupy. And to suggest, which is what this amendment would do if it passed, that we are there permanently, with permanent bases, is exactly the opposite of the message that we need to send. And our military commanders have made it clear, we will not achieve a military victory. If we are going to be victorious, it has to be a political victory. And this is a key aspect of that political victory. So I strongly urge defeat of this amendment.
Source
govinfo.gov
