[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to indicate my resolve that 
our men and women in uniform have this Senate's full support in 
whatever actions might be taken regarding Iraq and in our ongoing war 
against terrorism.
  The question has never been whether Saddam should be disarmed but 
rather how best to accomplish that goal.
  I was pleased to join with my colleagues, Senator Carl Levin, Chair 
of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Bob Graham, Chair of the 
Intelligence Committee, and Senator Dan Inouye, Chair of the Defense 
Appropriations Subcommittee in supporting a resolution that focused on 
the creation of an international coalition to enforce a tough 
inspection regime with real deadlines for Saddam along with the 
authorization of force to disarm him in cooperation with our allies 
through the United Nations.
  But that is not the approach that was passed by this body. I hope 
President Bush will wisely use the broad powers that Congress has given 
him. I continue to hope he will take the time to assemble a worldwide 
coalition--ready to use force if necessary--that will convince Saddam 
he has no choice but to disarm.
  But we have had the debate. We have had the vote. And it is time for 
Congress to show there are no Democrats and no Republicans when it 
comes to supporting our troops.
  We have shown that support by quickly passing the Defense 
appropriations bill. This ensures our troops will have the most up-to-
date weapons, fast-moving logistical support and the best pay and 
benefits of any armed forces in the world. This is essential to support 
these patriots and their families at home.
  This bill does that by boosting defense spending to more than $355 
billion for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1--a $34.4 billion increase 
over last year. This new spending will help not only with any action 
against Iraq, but also in honoring our commitments around the world in 
the global fight against terrorism.
  It is important to recognize that this bill includes nearly $94 
billion to provide for a 4.1 percent pay increase as well as full 
funding of all authorized benefits for all military personnel.
  I think all of us agree that war should always be our last choice.
  But, if it comes to that last resort, I promise that I will do 
everything within my power to ensure that our armed forces have the 
weapons and materials they need to defeat any enemy and expose our 
troops to the least possible risk.
  We have to remember that it is not just Iraq that poses a threat. We 
still have troops in Afghanistan and the Philippines. We have seen new 
terrorist attacks in Kuwait, Bali and against a French oil tanker. The 
war against terrorism is far from over and our troops need support in 
that battle as well.
  Upon our Nation's shoulders have fallen staggering duties as the 
world's sole remaining superpower. But Americans already stand on the 
tall shoulders of our own history and we do not shrink from these 
burdens.
  I believe that if we stand tall for our ideals the world will follow 
and we can disarm Iraq and defeat world terrorism as part of a broad 
coalition of allies.
  If our country acts alone, our men and women in uniform must always 
know that their Nation is united behind them in gratitude for their 
service, in pride of their dedication to duty and in awe of their 
bravery.
  I yield the floor.

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