Congressman Nick Lampson’s Floor Statement On House Resolution On Iraq War Troop Surge

[Statement of Texas Congressman Nick Lampson (D-Stafford)]

Washington, DC - Congressman Lampson (D-Stafford) spoke this morning on the House floor regarding H. Con. Res. 67, the House resolution on the troop surge for the War in Iraq. The following is his statement as prepared for delivery:

“Madam Speaker, today is a day for thoughtfulness and courage in this House.  As we debate the future of our involvement in Iraq, we must not forget that our troops are engaged in armed conflict half a world away.  It is their future and their sacrifice which necessitates this debate today.  Now is the time when this hallowed institution must dig deep within its own conscience, and rise high above the politics and platitudes which have plagued us for far too long.   The American public and our troops demand and expect no less of us.  Yet, no simple solutions face us.

“Let’s first look at the decisions we have made: We were advised that the conflict in Iraq would require more troops, a longer engagement and an exit strategy. We did not heed that advice.  And we now face an escalating insurgency AND civil war.

“We were told it would cost 50 billion dollars. We were wrong. It has cost 380 billion and climbing fast.  And we have not been good stewards of taxpayer money — as there has been much corruption and waste in our spending.

“We were told of imminent success in Afghanistan, and we pulled out our troops out in order to provide an earlier surge in Iraq.  We were wrong — and we have seen a rising violence in both countries.

“We must break this pattern - because we can ill afford any further misjudgments.

“Because it is our obligation in this deliberative body to consider every option available — we stand here today to engage in the first substantive discussion of the policies we need to implement in order to succeed in Iraq — and bring our troops home.  It is abundantly clear that Iraq has been — and remains — deeply imbedded in the conscience of the American people.  As this world watches, we must demonstrate from the well of this House that democracy flourishes only when honest and open debate occurs.

“In this difficult situation, I believe that this body has two primary obligations to the American people - to fully support our troops with resources they need in order to accomplish the missions they are assigned, and two, to ensure full accountability for the vital resources we have sent to Iraq.  This House has neglected both of these obligations for too long. It is time for us to exercise our responsibilities on behalf of our troops, the American public, and the world.

“I stand here today in opposition to the proposed troop surge.  We must all agree that cutting off funding for troops currently serving in Iraq is an untenable option that will send the wrong message to our partners and enemies alike.  I will NEVER vote to leave our troops stranded.  But the question facing us now is - how can we vote to put upwards of 20,000 additional troops in harms way without adequate resources, and without a clear, detailed plan?

“Because I stand in support of our troops, I cannot support this proposed surge.

“It is clear that the burden of our nations’ current struggle continues to rest with the brave men and women of our armed services.  It is no longer fair to our troops to rubber stamp this war.  I want them to know that we were deliberative in our decision.  I fear this surge will not - by itself - be sufficient today.  It is time for members of both parties to listen to experts for whose opinion we have asked — yet have ignored thus far — our military leaders past and present, the bi-partisan members of the Iraq Study Group, and soldiers returning from Iraq.

“It is time for a strategic change of course in Iraq — one including diplomacy, education, and an honest reconstruction effort.  These actions partnered with the actions of the military will show our dedication to improving the lives of all Iraqis and making their nation one of peace, freedom, and democracy.

“I am not here today to criticize the President, or to engage in partisan grandstanding.  This war is not a partisan issue.  I have no doubt that one day the actions of our nation will help bring peace and democracy to the Middle East.  However, the strategy we are here to debate today remains flawed, and too many questions remain unanswered.  While my loyalty to and confidence in our troops remains steadfast, this Congress and this nation must today seek a new direction.”