[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H2341-H2342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SMART SECURITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) is recognized for 5 minutes.

[[Page H2342]]

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, over 700 Americans have given their lives 
for the war in Iraq, a conflict with no end in sight. That number does 
not take into consideration the report the Pentagon just released 
stating that over 18,000, 18,000 soldiers have been evacuated from Iraq 
for medical reasons, nor does it take into consideration the billions 
of dollars the United States has spent to date on this conflict or the 
international goodwill we are squandering.
  We were told that this war was necessary to keep us safe. We were 
told last November that by sending another $87 billion for military 
operations and reconstruction, on top of just a few months earlier $78 
billion for the same purposes, that Iraq would be in better shape and 
that our soldiers across the world would have the support that they 
need.
  The fact is, even after Congress approved $155 billion in 
supplemental spending bills, Iraq is not in better shape; and many of 
our troops in Iraq still lack the equipment that is essential for their 
survival: body armor capable of stopping bullets; armor for tanks that 
will help prevent the destruction of U.S. military convoys; and the 
necessary water equipment to keep them hydrated in the desert heat.

                              {time}  1715

  Under the Bush administration, the annual Pentagon budget has grown 
from $310 billion in fiscal year 2001 to $420 billion in fiscal year 
2005, an increase of 35 percent in just 4 years. At the same time the 
United States spends outrageous amounts of money on outdated weapon 
systems, America's contribution to U.N. peacekeeping missions has 
suffered a 6.5 percent cut, despite the fact that several critical 
peacekeeping missions will be launched in the coming year.
  There has to be a better way, and there is, one that emphasizes 
brains instead of brawn, and one that is consistent with American 
values. I have introduced legislation to create a SMART security 
platform for the 21st century. SMART stands for sensible multilateral 
American response to terrorism.
  We need to shift our budget priorities so that they reflect the true 
security needs of the American people instead of spending billions on 
new bunker-buster nuclear weapons and the President's beloved missile 
defense system, which would not provide an effective defense against a 
full frontal missile attack in the first place.
  SMART security calls for stronger and smarter investments abroad in 
peacekeeping and conflict prevention programs and at home on homeland 
security and first responders. SMART security means creating a 
permanent postconflict unit that provides the first layer of 
reconstruction in countries that have been devastated by war and/or by 
oppressed dictators, like Iraq and Afghanistan. And SMART would mean 
funding all Army peacekeeping units devoted to studying and preparing 
for future peacekeeping missions. SMART would develop a real strategy 
for energy independence because nothing threatens our national security 
more than our dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
  The Bush doctrine has been tried, and it has failed. It is time for a 
new national security strategy. SMART security defends America by 
relying on the very best of America, our commitment to peace and 
freedom, our compassion for the people of the world, and our capacity 
for multilateral leadership.
  SMART security is tough, pragmatic and patriotic. SMART security is 
smart, and it will keep America safe.

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