[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 48 (Wednesday, April 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       STAYING THE COURSE IN IRAQ

  Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, a few years may have passed since I had the 
pleasure of serving President Ronald Reagan, but I can still remember 
the liberal naysayers attacking him for his fixed resolve in fighting 
the cold war. They questioned President Reagan's reasoning, they 
questioned his strategy, and they questioned America's chances of 
coming away victorious in a battle to free the Soviet Union and other 
countries from the grasp of communism. President Reagan rejected 
communism, he rejected the Iron Curtain, and he refused to concede that 
freedom could not prevail.
  While the Soviet Union was extending its influence and doctrine 
throughout the world, President Reagan had a different idea for the 
course of history. He knew that the enemy must be defeated, not 
tolerated. So in the face of severe criticism, Ronald Reagan did just 
that. Of course, we now know Reagan was right in his actions to 
eradicate communism. Millions were freed, and a global threat no longer 
exists.
  Does this kind of skepticism have a familiar ring? It should. It is 
frighteningly similar to the opposition our current President is 
facing. In fact, some of the faces are even the same. They were wrong 
then, and they are wrong now.
  As did Reagan, President Bush determined that terrorism must not be 
tolerated. It must be defeated.
  Since declaring a global war on terror, the United States has 
succeeded in two operations against countries that harbored known 
terrorists. We have captured a brutal dictator in Saddam Hussein, 
immobilized Osama bin Laden, destroyed al-Qaida's base, and Iraq now 
has a constitution built on democratic principles. We are also seeing 
positive signs from known sponsors of terrorists.
  After years of successfully hiding from United Nations inspectors, 
Libya has now relinquished its nuclear weapons program. Libya, as well 
as other rogue terrorist regimes, knows this President means business. 
Does this sound like a record that deserves criticism and skepticism?
  Since liberating Iraq, the coalition forces have made tremendous 
progress, but insurgents remain who do not wish to embrace freedom but 
instead choose violence and terror. Coalition forces are presently 
seeking cleric al-Sadr. He is an individual who has a lot in common 
with Saddam Hussein. Much like Saddam, he is inciting criminals and 
loyalists of the old regime to take up arms against peace and freedom. 
Much like Saddam, he is hiding somewhere while others fight his 
battle--this time in a mosque, not a hole. And much like Saddam, he and 
other rogue supporters will be brought to justice by our forces.
  We are blessed with brilliant and hard-working men and women, under 
Paul Bremer's leadership, who have sacrificed their way of life in the 
United States to aid the Iraqi people in the transition to democracy. 
Our men and women in uniform have done and are doing a phenomenal job 
of bringing stability to nations previously under the reign of terror. 
Sadly, there are casualties still occurring abroad, and it is 
heartbreaking.
  I have personally visited with our men and women in uniform, as well 
as their families, and have seen firsthand their unwavering commitment. 
They underscored how strongly they felt about their mission and the 
need to see it through to completion. Just this week, President Bush 
was in my home State of North Carolina where he met privately with the 
family of 26-year-old Army Specialist Christopher Hill. Christopher was 
killed in Iraq when his vehicle fell victim to a roadside bomb and 
exploded.
  During the tear-filled meeting, an emotional President Bush spent 
time with Christopher's young widow, Cheryl Hill, and her 14-month-old 
daughter. Cheryl Hill was unyielding in her support of President Bush 
as our Commander in Chief. Amidst her prayers for her family, Cheryl 
told the President she not only supports him 100 percent, she prays for 
him as well.
  I conclude with a story that pulled at my heartstrings this week. A 
soldier in Iraq was gravely injured when his vehicle was hit by a 
rocket-propelled grenade while on patrol. His driver and gunner were 
killed. He suffered extensive burns on his legs, back, and face and 
permanent nerve damage to his left leg.
  After undergoing rehabilitation and several skin grafts in Germany, 
he told his commander to send him back to Iraq or he would not 
reenlist. He went through tests to ensure he was still mission capable 
and was ultimately sent back to Iraq to resume his post. When this 
seriously injured soldier was asked why he returned to Iraq after that 
kind of ordeal, he simply responded, ``The job is not done.''
  Simple words, but how powerful and how poignant. Our job is not done, 
but I know we have men and women capable of completing it. May God 
bless each and every one of them and may God continue to bless those 
who yearn for freedom around the world.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise to speak about a very important 
topic this evening. But I first want to commend and concur with the 
Senator from North Carolina in terms of our support for our troops. I 
think this is such a critical time. It is such a challenging, dangerous 
time for our men and women who are serving us now, particularly in Iraq 
and Afghanistan. All of us, 100 percent of this body, and I know the 
House, as well as the administration, join together in saluting, 
commending, and sending our prayers to them every single day.
  I also wish to give my respect and honor and support to all of our 
men and women who are serving us.

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