[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION FOR THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF 
       THE ARMED FORCES PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
104, our troops in harms way in Iraq, and our President as Commander-
in-Chief.
  I express my sincere disappointment that the rules for H. Con. Res. 
104 did not permit a division of the resolution into two separate 
pieces of legislation. Had this division been allowed, I would have 
voted in favor of the provisions on Page 4, lines 1-16. I would have 
opposed the remainder of the resolution, pages 1-3, because in my 
opinion this language prevented the House from unanimously supporting 
our troops and the President as Commander-in-Chief.
  At a time of war, I believe we must stand together, united, behind 
our armed servicemen and women in the field, our commanding officers, 
and our military leaders. We must send a strong message to our troops 
that we stand behind them to the fullest degree, and we will continue 
to support them once their mission is complete.
  The service personnel and their families in the Middle East and 
throughout the world have my thoughts and prayers with them always.

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