[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 11, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H1697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR U.S. TROOPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

  (Mr. ISRAEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ISRAEL. Madam Speaker, over the weekend I joined with hundreds of 
Marines in my congressional district as they prepared to deploy to the 
Middle East. Many of their families asked me whether the American 
people will support them. They asked whether the polls that they read 
about reflect a lack of support for those who may be asked to fight for 
our freedoms in the Middle East.
  Madam Speaker, I support the use of force, but I understand that 
there is a diversity of opinion on this issue. In America we have the 
right to agree, the right to disagree, the right to remain silent; but 
let no one believe for a moment that there is any division with respect 
to supporting our troops. Republicans and Democrats will go and fight 
for our freedoms abroad and Republicans and Democrats will stand by 
them at home. We cannot forget our support of those brave men and 
women, and I know that this Congress will not forget that for a moment.

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