[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 1600-1603]
[From the U.S. 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 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.

[[Page 1601]]

  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 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:


[[Page 1602]]

     . . . 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
     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

[[Page 1603]]

     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.

                          ____________________