[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, millions of Iraqis 
turned out to vote, and the fledging democracy in Iraq took another 
step forward. I join all my colleagues in commending the Iraqi men and 
women for their action, and continue to thank the American men and 
women who are honorably serving abroad. Unfortunately, despite this 
important step, there still is a lack of leadership from the White 
House or from the Majority on the strategy that will bring our soldiers 
home victorious and bring them home soon.
  And yet again, an opportunity for a meaningful debate on Iraq has 
failed to emerge. This debate must occur, and it must occur now. We see 
Iraqis voting, but we don't know when their governmental authority will 
take hold. We see the Iraqi army training, but we don't know when they 
will be ready to independently defend their nation. We see American 
troops serving and dying, but we don't know when they will return.
  A strategy must be outlined, both to the American people and to the 
Iraqi people, which demonstrates a path to success. Rhetoric must be 
replaced with substance for such a strategy to develop. I believe that 
a concentrated effort will be necessary to urge the Iraqi people to 
take a lead in the war efforts and in the redevelopment efforts. Only 
by accelerating the transfer of responsibility to the Iraqis will they 
be ready to lead their nation toward a stronger democracy sooner rather 
than later.
  Mr. Speaker, earlier this week the President finally admitted that 
this war was based on several false pretenses and was supported by 
claims and arguments that were wrong. The President and the Majority 
must admit that this continued lack of planning on their part is most 
importantly a disservice to our soldiers, a disservice to Congress, and 
a disservice to the American people. If we do not learn from this 
mistake it will be repeated--and the consequence will be more loss of 
American lives. I again join others in calling for a debate on Iraq, I 
call for a real strategy and a real plan for success, and I applaud the 
Iraqi people for their recent success in taking part in the democratic 
process.

                          ____________________