[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR DEFENSE AND FOR THE 
              RECONSTRUCTION OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, 2004

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                               speech of

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3289) making 
     emergency supplemental appropriations for defense and for the 
     reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan for the fiscal year 
     ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes:

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3289. It has been 6 
months since American forces toppled Saddam Hussein's regime, but there 
are still traces in Iraq of what one author referred to as a 
``psychopathic crime family'', a family that terrorized its own people 
and stood as a daily threat to the region and the world.
  I supported President Bush's request because it is vital to our own 
national security; it is an exit strategy; and it will help establish a 
safe and secure Iraq and prevent the region from becoming an incubator 
for would-be terrorists.
  This funding is an investment in our lasting security, and 
comparatively it is a fraction of what we spent in World War I, World 
War II and the Korean War. It will go where it is needed most: getting 
our troops the supplies they need and rebuilding the critical 
infrastructure depleted by 3 decades of a dictatorial regime.
  Our troops have succeeded on every front. They have secured the air, 
the land and the surrounding water. They have served our Nation well, 
and once again stand as liberating heroes to an entire people.
  Yet, with the cost of the wars in Iraq and against terrorism 
continuing to rise, many are now wondering: should we send additional 
support? Are we really safer today than yesterday? Is the price tag 
worth it? The answer on all fronts is ``yes.''
  If you have doubts, just think for a moment about the cost of 
inaction, the cost of turning back now.
  Chief weapons inspector Dr. David Kay recently delivered an update to 
Congress and stated that Iraq had a secret network of biological 
laboratories, live botulinum toxin, and an advanced program for 
prohibited long-range missiles. This is just what we have found at the 
halfway point of his investigation.
  The positive difference for the United States is clear. No longer 
does the Iraqi government harbor, support or sponsor known terrorists. 
The country that once housed individuals like Palestine Liberation 
Front leader Abu Abbas, whose organization committed the 1985 hijacking 
of the cruise ship Achille Lauro, is now charting a new course--a 
course less threatening to the safety and stability of the world.
  While the coalition has accomplished much in the last 6 months, we 
are still building upon that foundation. We must not falter in our 
response; we must not rest until our families are safe and secure. This 
funding is critical to our success in the war against terrorism and 
preserving our freedom here at home.




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