[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 160 (Monday, October 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING WITHHOLDING OF INFORMATION 
                     RELATING TO CORRUPTION IN IRAQ

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2007

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I voted against the war in Iraq in part 
because I feared the challenges that the United States would face 
installing a government that was both democratic and responsible. I am 
increasingly concerned about the recent reports concerning the 
corruption of the Maliki government in Iraq. The Bush Administration 
has told us that the controversial troop surge has led to political 
progress in Iraq. The unfortunate reality is that corruption has been 
prevalent throughout the Iraqi government, hindering political progress 
in the nation. Even worse, our own government has attempted to shield 
the American people from the disturbing reality of what is really going 
on in the Iraqi government. I am pleased that the House of 
Representatives is considering this resolution, which condemns the 
deceptive actions of the State Department.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On Page E2192, October 22, 2007, the following appeared: Mr. 
DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I voted
  
  The online version should be corrected to read: Mr. DINGELL. Mr. 
Speaker, I voted


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  With over 450 billion dollars already appropriated to the Iraq War, 
as well as the painful death of over 3,800 of America's finest men and 
women and wounding of more than 28,000 more, this resolution is 
necessary to ensure that Congress and the American people understand 
what our sacrifices have accomplished in this war. By retroactively 
classifying documents that ridicule the Iraqi government, as well as 
refusing to answer questions before this body regarding the extent of 
corruption in Iraq, the State Department has set out to deceive not 
only the United States Congress, but also the American people who are 
fighting and funding this war. This resolution will ensure that the 
State Department understands that the truth, regardless of how dismal 
it may be, is more important than mere politics. I strongly urge my 
colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

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