[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 110 (Tuesday, July 15, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H6228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IRAQ
(Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, for a decade, the United States, the
international community, and the Iraqi people sacrificed immeasurably
in support of the Iraqi people and their future. Generations of
Americans and Iraqis bear the indelible marks of this conflict.
Unfortunately, the gains wrought at such cost are now jeopardized by
the shortsightedness and malfeasance of Iraq's political leaders.
To survive, Iraq needs a government that is inclusive and
representative. And if we are to support Iraq militarily or in any
other way, our Nation must know that we are supporting such a
government, a condition that I do not believe the Maliki regime meets.
Moreover, if the U.S. is to assist Iraq beyond current efforts, the
President must seek a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force
from Congress. I believe that authorization and that debate is
absolutely essential, and I am concerned about the slippery slope we
are going down.
We must not become further embroiled in another Iraq conflict without
both a thorough debate and a legitimate partner in the Iraqi
Government.
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