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Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008

Floor Speech

Date: May 15, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Foreign Affairs

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 -- (House of Representatives - May 15, 2008)

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Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject the President's demand for war money and to instead support an amendment that will force the redeployment of our troops from Iraq and to fully fund the benefits that our veterans deserve.

A half decade after ``Mission Accomplished,'' the President is asking once again for $160 billion to fund a war that cannot be won militarily. But, Mr. Speaker, it's past time to look this President in the eye and say, ``Read my lips: No.''

Our military is superb, but it cannot impose peace in a country plagued by sectarian violence. Peace will not come to Iraq until Iraqis stop killing each other.

Nevertheless, the President's followers demand hundreds of billions more for combat operations while they insist on blocking a relatively small appropriation for our veterans. This is an outrage, and we owe our servicewomen and men the best. The years of neglecting their safety and well-being must come to an end.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in rejecting funds for war, in requiring withdrawal from Iraq, and in providing the education and health care benefits our veterans deserve.

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