[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2120]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 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. CRENSHAW. Mr. Chairman, it's not always easy to do what is right. 
Doing what's right sometimes means going against expectations. In 
regards to Iraq, the United States is doing the right thing; the 
reconstruction, granting the money, and building a relationship with a 
new Iraq is all part of staying committed to winning the war on terror. 
The price is high, the undertaking is huge, but we cannot afford to 
fail.
  Winning the war means more than capturing terrorists, it means 
capturing the hearts and minds of Iraqis. During the U.S.-led invasion, 
Iraqis saw that we didn't target their homes, we targeted an evil 
regime. After the major combat, Iraqis saw the United States take a 
stance for stability and security. In the wake of recent deadly 
attacks, Iraqis see it is the U.S. rebuilding their schools and 
hospitals, not terrorists from neighboring countries whose only aim is 
to rip apart the beginnings of a democracy.
  In Iraq, citizens know we invaded their country in pursuit of Saddam 
Hussein. They know we did not invade for oil or other profit. Upon that 
premise, we are building a foundation of trust. That foundation will 
breed civility not hate, understanding not undermining, and prosperity 
instead of chaos.
  What Iraqis didn't expect was a reassuring hand after the smoke 
cleared. What Iraqis won't respect is an invader who forces them to 
sign loan papers.
  We are getting something for our investment--an historic beginning to 
Middle East stability. In exchange for rebuilding their infrastructure, 
we are asking Iraqis to reject thirty years of an evil regime. We are 
asking that they consider democracy instead of anti-American hate. We 
are asking Iraqi citizens to hold structure over chaos and not become a 
breeding ground for terrorist training camps. We are not handing Iraqis 
money and a simple request. We are asking them to reject everything 
Saddam Hussein stood for, and build anew.
  The sole reason we entered Iraq was to protect national security. We 
must continue on that course. More than 30 countries are working with 
the United States to stabilize Iraq and enable the Iraqi people to 
achieve self-governance. And just this week, the Japanese government 
committed $1.5 billion to Iraqi reconstruction.
  The cost of reconstructing Iraq is high but we would pay a higher 
cost if we burden Iraqis with a multibillion-dollar debt. After all, 
history shows us what a tyrant can do when a country is burdened by war 
debt. Repeating the mistakes of the past could open the door for 
another Saddam Hussein, or another Adolph Hitler.

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