[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 11 (Monday, February 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1043-S1046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ ON DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 38, which the clerk will
report.
The assistant bill clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 38) commending the People of Iraq on
the January 30, 2005, national elections.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time until 5:30 will be equally divided
between the leaders or their designees.
The Senator from Delaware.
Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I will be speaking as the designee of
Senator Reid, the Democratic leader.
I rise to speak to the resolution congratulating the people of Iraq
for their historic elections which took place on January 30.
The Iraqi elections were an important step forward and a tribute to
the courage of the Iraqi people. It was actually incredible to see them
go to the polls literally as they heard explosions in the streets. The
images that we saw were quite moving.
The election is only the first step in a long road filled with
potentially lethal potholes, and the next months are going to be very
critical.
If the elections are to be a true turning point in the history of
Iraq, then it is critical, and I believe the administration fully
understands, that the administration act with the urgency that is
needed in several key areas to sustain this very positive momentum.
In my view, the first priority is to build Iraqi capacity. The
election, hopefully, strengthened the political legitimacy of the Iraqi
government, but it did nothing to build its governing capacity.
The Iraqi government is no more capable today than it was the day
before the elections of providing law and order, defeating the
insurgents, or delivering basic services like water, gasoline, and
electricity.
We have squandered 2 years developing these capabilities, and now it
is time to move into high gear, especially in training Iraqi forces
that are able to operate independently and effectively. Our ability to
draw down responsibly in Iraq depends on that happening.
Second, we must promote political power sharing. Because many Sunni
Arabs stayed home or, quite frankly, were scared away, understandably I
might add, from the polls, they may feel even more alienated and
continue to support the insurgency.
I am encouraged by conciliatory statements by some Sunni-affiliated
organizations that suggest they are willing to work with the new
government in drafting Iraq's permanent constitution. We all should
remember this election was primarily about electing people who are
going to be the people who write the constitution. In a sense, it is a
little bit like our Constitutional Convention that took place in
Philadelphia. These folks are going to write
[[Page S1044]]
a constitution, then they are going to present it to the Iraqi people
essentially in a referendum at the end of this year, next fall. If the
Sunni Arabs are not in on the deal, it is not likely to be accepted.
We must use our influence with the Shi'a and the Kurds to reach out
to those who were left out, that is the Sunni Arabs, who are willing to
participate in the writing of that constitution. They also have to be
well represented in the cabinet of this transitional government.
Finally, just as the international community appointed a first-rate
representative to the independent Iraqi election commission, so, too,
should it consider similar assistance as Iraqis begin to grapple with
the complexities of drafting a constitution.
Thirdly, we have to make Iraq the world's problem, not just our own.
Secretary Rice said before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ``the
time for diplomacy is now.'' The proof will be the administration's
efforts and success in getting more help to train Iraqi security forces
and to build Iraq's infrastructure. The administration has to make a
diplomatic full court press.
Our allies claim to be concerned about the plight of the Iraqi
people. Well, now is their chance to prove it. The Europeans have to
get over it. George Bush has been elected for the next 4 years. The
fact is, they must get involved and stop shirking their responsibility.
We also must help the Iraqi government develop positive relations with
its neighbors and regional states. Our Presidential elections are over,
the American people have spoken, and it is time for our allies to get
over their past differences with the Bush administration and act in
their own self-interest to promote a stable, unified, representative
Iraq.
A week ago, several of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle had
the chance to visit with President Chirac. I think it is fair to say we
sensed a new willingness to work with us if France is given a seat at
the table.
Similarly, Chancellor Schroeder, during Secretary Rice's visit last
week, offered additional German assistance to train Iraqi security
forces, build Iraqi ministries, and support Iraqi civil institutions.
We must not squander yet another opportunity to bring our key allies
into the effort.
Last April, I called for the creation of a board of directors--a
contact group--consisting of the major powers, the Iraqi government,
and key regional countries to support Iraq's transition. It would meet
on a monthly basis to coordinate diplomatic, political, economic, and
security support for Iraq.
I urge the administration to reconsider creating a contact group. The
President could use his forthcoming visit to Europe to launch the
effort.
A broader group which includes other nations on the U.N. Security
Council, the G-8, and the multinational force can meet on a regular,
but more infrequent basis to discuss ways to support the contact
group's efforts.
Fourth, we must show reconstruction results. More than a year ago,
the administration told Congress it urgently needed $18.4 billion for
Iraq's reconstruction.
Congress delivered but the administration has not: Less than 20
percent of that money has been spent. Electricity production in Iraq
has fallen to below the level it was under Saddam. Lines for gasoline
stretch for miles. Oil production is lagging behind targets.
The administration must develop a plan to spend the money
efficiently, with clear benchmarks. We should emphasize small-scale,
Iraqi-run projects that deliver quick benefits to the Iraqi people--at
least 40 percent of whom are unemployed and on giving our military
commanders more flexibility to spend money directly on reconstruction.
Finally, I know that I do not need to remind my colleagues that we
must support our military.
Our troops in Iraq must be equipped and trained for the mission in
Iraq. The troop rotation schedule must not degrade readiness or
diminish retention.
Above all, the administration must do what it has consistently failed
to do in Iraq: Level with the American people.
A week ago Sunday was a good day for democracy, but there are many
hard days and more sacrifice ahead. The President must make that clear
if he is to sustain the support of the American people.
Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I support this resolution, and I join in
commending the people of Iraq for the inspiring step they have taken
toward self-government and a democratic future.
We all share the goal of spreading freedom and democracy and ending
tyranny around the globe. There is no disagreement about these goals,
and the importance of these ideals. America has been a beacon of
democracy and freedom for more than two centuries.
When America is at its best, our deeds match our words. But many of
us feel we haven't done that in Iraq. We care about our country.
Stephen Decatur famously said, ``My country, right or wrong.'' But
others through the years have said it better--``our country right or
wrong. When right, to be kept right. When wrong, to be set right.''
We've paid a high price for the invasion of Iraq. Saddam is gone, but
there were no weapons of mass destruction. The cakewalk the
administration predicted became a quagmire instead. We shifted our
focus away from the real threat to our national security--Osama bin
Laden. We shattered our alliances and lost our respect in the world.
More than 1,400 American soldiers have given their lives. 150,000 of
our soldiers are tied down in Iraq. Our military has been stretched to
the breaking point, with other threats ever-present. The families of
our military, and our guard and reserves are suffering. The American
occupation has fueled the insurgency.
We are all moved by the bravery of the Iraqi people who voted in the
recent election, and we honor the courageous men and women of our Armed
Forces who continue to risk their lives for a better future for the
Iraqi people.
The election is an opening, if we are wise enough to seize it, to
demonstrate to the Iraqi people that we have no long-term designs on
their country.
I hope the administration's decision to withdraw 15,000 American
troops from Iraq is a down-payment on a more enlightened policy, and
that the administration will seize this opening.
Our men and women in uniform deserve more. We need to redouble our
efforts to train the Iraqi security forces before the election of a
permanent Iraqi government at the end of the year, so that a stable and
free Iraq will be established and our troops can come home with dignity
and honor.
I congratulate the Iraqi people and the men and women of our Armed
Forces who made this election possible, and I urge my colleagues to
support this resolution.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, first, let me express my appreciation to the
ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Biden is
someone who has knowledge of foreign affairs that is astounding. Having
served on that committee when I was in the House of Representatives, I
know it is a great committee. It is so important to the success or
failure of what happens in this country in relation to our foreign
neighbors. I feel so relieved, knowing he is there, leading us on this
most important committee. I appreciate his statement today.
The resolution now before the Senate commends the Iraqi people for
their courage during the election on January 30. I think it is
important that we express our admiration for the Iraqi citizens. That
is what this resolution does. Millions cast their votes on that day.
They turned out at the polls in spite of threats to voters, candidates,
election workers, and in spite of acts of violence by those seeking to
undermine the election process. The acts of violence took place.
Approximately 40 Iraqis were killed that day, and a number of American
soldiers.
I think we should express our gratitude to our troops in Iraq. They
are the ones who have allowed this election to go forward. The U.S.
military was central to the success of the election on election day.
Without them and the overwhelming security they provided, there would
not have been an election.
The Iraqi Independent Election Commission and the United Nations also
did a good job. They also should be commended. They took the daunting
task of trying to hold a free and fair election in the most dangerous
conditions.
But no one should underestimate the challenges that lie ahead, as
outlined
[[Page S1045]]
by Senator Biden. The election was only one step in Iraq's long march
toward peace and stability. With the violence unending and the
insurgency showing no signs of weakness, the President needs to spell
out a clear and understandable plan for success in Iraq. In his State
of the Union Address, the President said only that U.S. troops will
remain until Iraq becomes a representative democracy that can defend
itself and is at peace with its neighbors. This is not a strategy for
success; it is an open-ended commitment with no end or plan in sight.
Our troops and the American people deserve better than that.
It was only yesterday that the Pentagon, through its Secretary, Mr.
Rumsfeld, when pressed for details about the insurgency and about the
plan for going forward in Iraq, said only that there is an assessment
taking place. This is not leadership.
The President needs to level with the American people. Once and for
all he needs to spell out his plan, No. 1, to crush the insurgency, No.
2, to build Iraq's capacity to defend itself and deliver basic services
to its people, No. 3, to get the reconstruction process back on track,
and, No. 4, to increase political participation by all parties,
especially the moderates, and finally, No. 5, to increase international
involvement. These are five concrete steps that must take place. Much
more is being done, for example, to enlist the international
community's help in the training of Iraqi security forces and in the
development of the Iraqi political and economic systems.
Will the President finally reach out to the other nations to take
some of the burden off our forces and off the U.S. taxpayers? The proof
will be in the President's actions, not in his rhetoric. As the
administration continues on month by month, without a firm course or
direction, the situation in Iraq grows more complex and more dangerous.
The President's own National Intelligence Council concluded that Iraq
is now a magnet for international terrorism. We have to do better--for
our troops, for the American people, and for success in Iraq.
I, again, compliment the people of Iraq for a successful election.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, it has been 1 week since 8 million Iraqis
cast their historic vote for freedom. Already a new sense of optimism
is infusing the Iraqi people. I refer my colleagues to a story in the
Washington Post this morning on this rising tide of civic pride.
A young pharmacy owner tells the paper:
You can feel the situation is changed. People seem to
linger on the street longer. You can feel the momentum, the
sense of optimism.
A Baghdad bakery store manager said that he, too:
. . . feels very optimistic things will change for the better
because of the strong turnout in elections that reinforced
our faith.
The Post reports car stereos and storefront speakers proudly blare
the anthem, ``My Homeland,'' which was banned by Saddam Hussein.
Neighbors have more trust for one another after years and years of
forced fear and suspicion.
Most encouragingly, Iraqi police officers and national guardsmen are
getting better tips and better information on the terrorist insurgents
who are widely regarded by the Iraqi people as criminals.
History is not going to soon forget that extraordinary sight of 8
million Iraqis risking their lives for freedom. Amidst those terrorist
threats and bomb blasts, Iraqi voters streamed to over 5,000 polling
stations across the country to cast their ballots. Families brought
their young sons and daughters so they, too, could be witnesses to
history.
We also cannot forget the Iraqis who voted in over a dozen countries
besides Iraq, including the United States. In fact, in my own hometown
of Nashville, TN, we saw thousands of Iraqis voting in their first
election in years. Election officials say they will have the total vote
count by Thursday of this week. Whatever the outcome, January 30, 2005,
marked the beginning of a new era in Iraq and the beginning of changes
that will reverberate throughout the region.
In the words of the President: The world heard ``the voice of freedom
from the center of the Middle East.''
As we know, many Sunnis in the Baghdad region did not vote out of
fear--probably it was more a mistaken belief that their actions would
in some way delegitimize the electoral process.
Over the last several days we have heard encouraging reports that
Sunni leaders want to play an active role in the drafting of the
constitution; that they want to be a part of the process and not
separate from it, not isolated from it. Equally inspiring is the news
that Shiite leaders are reaching out to the Sunnis and other
minorities, reaching out to include them in the process. They, too,
want the Sunni Iraqis to be part of that constitutional process, a part
of the new, free, and democratic Iraq.
What we saw on the 30th mirrors what many in Iraq told me and my
colleagues who went to Iraq, now several weeks ago. They were right.
Before we went over, and actually after we came back, you would hear
again and again the doubts about the elections. Many watchers were
humbled by the transformative power of these elections, similar to what
we saw in Afghanistan last October.
The effect these elections can have on a people and on a government
and on a nation is so powerful, and we saw it played out recently in
these elections.
We saw it in the Ukraine, we saw it in the Palestinian Authority and,
as I mentioned, in October in Afghanistan and now in Iraq. We hope to
see it in the broader Middle East in the months and years ahead.
Once oppressed by a brutal dictatorship, the Iraqis are inspiring
people all over the world with their courage and determination. They
now stand as a great, bright hope in a land that was too long shrouded
by tyranny and by violence.
We still have a long road and a hard road ahead. We all recognize
that. No one should expect the violence to end, but the election and
its ripple effects confirm that the Iraqi people are on the right path;
and it renews our confidence in the human desire for liberty and for
self-determination.
The United States joins the President in his praise of the Iraqi
people by the resolution we are about to pass here in the Senate. In a
few moments, we will pass a resolution that expresses our support for
the Iraqis as they move forward toward a free and full democracy that
respects the rule of law and the rights of all its citizens.
I want to give my personal thanks and thanks on behalf of all our
colleagues to Senators Lugar, Dole, and the Democratic leader, Harry
Reid, for all their leadership on this particular resolution.
The Senate and the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with
the Iraqis as they continue their remarkable journey toward freedom and
democracy. Last Sunday's elections were the first of many momentous
steps to come.
Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?
There is a sufficient second.
The question is on agreeing to the resolution. The clerk will call
the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk called the roll.
Mr. McCONNELL. The following Senators were necessarily absent: the
Senator from Montana (Mr. Burns), the Senator from Ohio (Mr. DeWine),
the Senator from Nevada (Mr. Ensign), the Senator from Texas (Mrs.
Hutchison), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski) and the Senator
from Louisiana (Mr. Vitter).
Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Louisiana (Mr.
Vitter) and the Senator from Montana (Mr. Burns) would have voted
``yea.''
Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Akaka), is
necessarily absent.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Burr). Are there any other Senators in the
Chamber desiring to vote?
The result was announced--yeas 93, nays 0, as follows:
[Rollcall Vote No. 4 Leg.]
YEAS--93
Alexander
Allard
Allen
Baucus
Bayh
Bennett
Biden
Bingaman
Bond
Boxer
Brownback
Bunning
Burr
Byrd
Cantwell
Carper
Chafee
Chambliss
Clinton
Coburn
Cochran
[[Page S1046]]
Coleman
Collins
Conrad
Cornyn
Corzine
Craig
Crapo
Dayton
DeMint
Dodd
Dole
Domenici
Dorgan
Durbin
Enzi
Feingold
Feinstein
Frist
Graham
Grassley
Gregg
Hagel
Harkin
Hatch
Inhofe
Inouye
Isakson
Jeffords
Johnson
Kennedy
Kerry
Kohl
Kyl
Landrieu
Lautenberg
Leahy
Levin
Lieberman
Lincoln
Lott
Lugar
Martinez
McCain
McConnell
Mikulski
Murray
Nelson (FL)
Nelson (NE)
Obama
Pryor
Reed
Reid
Roberts
Rockefeller
Salazar
Santorum
Sarbanes
Schumer
Sessions
Shelby
Smith
Snowe
Specter
Stabenow
Stevens
Sununu
Talent
Thomas
Thune
Voinovich
Warner
Wyden
NOT VOTING--7
Akaka
Burns
DeWine
Ensign
Hutchison
Murkowski
Vitter
The resolution (S. 38) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 38
Whereas on January 30, 2005, Iraq held its first democratic
elections in nearly half a century;
Whereas after more than 3 decades of enduring harsh
repression and lack of freedom, millions cast ballots on
January 30, 2005, to determine the future of their country in
an election widely recognized as a success by the
international community;
Whereas the hard work, contributions, vision, and
sacrifices of the Interim Iraqi Government in undertaking
major political, economic, social, and legal reforms and, in
conjunction with the efforts of the Iraqi Independent
Electoral Commission, in ensuring that Iraq held nationwide
elections on January 30, and in not being intimidated by
terrorist and insurgent forces resulted in the successful
elections of January 30;
Whereas on January 30, President George W. Bush stated that
the election in Iraq was a ``milestone'' in Iraq's history
and that the ``world is hearing the voice of freedom from the
center of the Middle East'';
Whereas the January 30 election is another step in the
process of developing a free and democratic Iraq;
Whereas the people of Iraq cast votes to freely choose the
275-member Transitional National Assembly that will serve as
the national legislature of Iraq for a transition period,
name a Presidency Council, and select a Prime Minister;
Whereas the Transitional National Assembly will draft the
permanent constitution of Iraq;
Whereas the election establishes a credible process for
governing Iraq under a mandate from the majority of the
people of Iraq for a new Iraq in which all communities are
represented, minority rights are respected, and violence is
not tolerated;
Whereas an estimated 14,300,000 Iraqis were registered to
vote at more than 5,000 polling stations across Iraq and in
14 other countries;
Whereas, with 256 political entities composed of 18,900
Iraqi candidates standing for election in 20 different
elections (the national election, 18 provincial elections,
and Kurdistan Regional government election), voter turnout
demonstrated widespread enthusiasm for self-determination;
Whereas Iraqi security forces joined with United States and
Coalition forces in providing security for the elections;
Whereas despite these efforts, many Sunni Iraqis in some
provinces did not vote because of fear and intimidation;
Whereas the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division
and other nongovernmental organizations provided technical
support and assistance to the Independent Electoral
Commission of Iraq and the Iraqi Interim Government;
Whereas the people of Iraq will again exercise their
popular will through a national referendum in October 2005,
when the Transitional National Assembly presents a draft
constitution for Iraq;
Whereas national elections based on that constitution are
then to be held in December 2005 to choose an Iraqi
government in a manner prescribed by the constitution;
Whereas it is in the interest of Iraq, the Middle East, the
United States, and the international community that Iraq
successfully transitions to a functioning democratic state,
as this may serve as a catalyst for peace and stability in
the region; and
Whereas the Iraqi government needs assistance from the
broader international community to further develop governing
capacity, train effective security forces who can defeat the
terrorists and insurgents and maintain law and order, improve
economic conditions, and maintain essential services, such as
the delivery of electricity, gasoline, and water: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) commends the people of Iraq on the successful
nationwide elections held in Iraq on January 30, 2005, and
recognizes the elections as another step in developing a free
and democratic Iraq;
(2) recognizes the desire for freedom and liberty of all
individuals who served as candidates, campaign workers,
United Nations and Iraqi election officials, and voters in
the January 30, 2005, elections in Iraq and congratulates the
new members of the Transitional National Assembly and the
leaders of the provincial and regional governments;
(3) urges the new leadership of Iraq to move forward with
drafting the constitution, upholding the law, and holding a
referendum on the new constitution in October 2005;
(4) encourages participation of all groups and communities
in the drafting of a new constitution and the formation of a
permanent government for Iraq;
(5) recognizes and honors the sacrifices made for freedom
and liberty in Iraq by the people of Iraq;
(6) commends the Iraqi security forces, and the U.S. armed
forces and Coalition forces, who ensured the elections could
be conducted in a relatively safe, secure, and credible
manner;
(7) condemns and deplores all acts of violence and
intimidation against the people of Iraq by members of the
former Iraqi regime, insurgents, and other extremists and
terrorists;
(8) supports the establishment of a fully democratic Iraqi
government that respects the rule of law, promotes ethnic and
religious tolerance, respects the rights of women and all
minorities, provides security and stability for the people of
Iraq, and has the capacity to maintain basic services such as
the delivery of sufficient electricity, gasoline, and water;
(9) believes that it is in the interest of the people of
Iraq, the Middle East, the United States, and the
international community that Iraq transitions to a fully
democratic state, and that doing so may serve as a catalyst
for peace and stability in the region;
(10) calls on the international community, particularly
Arab states, countries with predominantly Muslim populations,
and all North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states, to
provide military and police personnel to train and assist
Iraqi security forces and to otherwise assist in the
political and economic development of Iraq;
(11) encourages the newly-elected transitional government
of Iraq to ensure that all Iraqis, including members of the
Sunni religious community, are represented in the
Constitution-writing process and in the new Iraqi cabinet to
improve the prospects for national unity and consensus; and
(12) looks forward to welcoming Iraq into the world
community of democratic nations.
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote and to
lay that motion on the table.
The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
____________________