Five years ago, American and coalition forces ended the unlawful dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. His regime had murdered thousands of his own countrymen, threatened nations in the Middle East, and supported terrorist activities both in the region and around the world. After all the rhetoric and politics that have blurred the debate over this war, we all agree upon one fundamental truth: the brave men and women of the United States armed forces have served their nation with distinction and honor. They have done all that we have asked of them, and they deserve a gratitude we can never fully pay.

Now more than ever, we must be committed to achieving the victory for which many have fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice. For the families of our military men and women, for the millions of Americans whose liberties are protected by our brave troops, and in defense of the freedoms we cherish, we must speak as one voice that we are committed to achieving a stable and peaceful Iraq.

H.Con.Res. 315, a resolution I recently introduced, states in no uncertain terms that Congress supports a policy of victory in Iraq. It reads, in its entirety:

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress–

(1) supports the idea that the war in Iraq is not lost;

(2) recognizes that the overall progress being made on the ground in Iraq is undeniable;

(3) recognizes that much of this progress is due to the skill, persistence, and valor of the American service member;

(4) recognizes that the decision by the President and our military leadership to provide a surge of troops to implement a new

This resolution has received support from nearly 100 cosponsors including the entire Republican House Leadership. It is a resolution that will send a message to our allies and enemies alike that America honors its commitments and recognizes what is at stake in Iraq.

We owe at least that much to our brave troops and their families.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 21st, 2008 at 9:00 am and is filed under Politics .