Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New America Media (NAM) and The First National Ethnic Media Awards. From its inception, NAM has worked to create a more inclusive public forum and to bring visibility and economic viability to ethnic media, a critical sector of American journalism that covers and serves our country's growing ethnic and immigrant communities that are often marginalized by barriers of culture and language.

NAM has continued to build the profile of ethnic media by developing first a California and now a national awards program to recognize journalists working in the ethnic media and covering stories critical to their communities.

NAM conducted a nationwide poll of ethnic communities in multiple languages that found 52 million adult Americans access ethnic media regularly; ethnic media represent the forefront of civic and independent journalism; it is where ethnic and immigrant Americans turn to find information about their communities, their states, their government, their healthcare, education for their children, their civil rights as citizens in our society--yet ethnic media has received only marginal recognition from the public and private sector.

NAM's work to highlight the important role that ethnic media plays is commendable. NAM's work to create bridges between ethnic media and the mainstream as well as cross-cultural understanding between ethnic communities is praiseworthy. NAM's commitment to honoring the ethnic media through an increasingly prestigious Awards Program is admirable.

Mr. Speaker, I commend New America Media and the First National Ethnic Media Awards for its courageous goal to create a more equitable and integrated American society.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 759, a resolution that expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of Japan should formally issue an apology for the sexual enslavement of young women during the imperial occupation of Asia and World War II. I am disappointed that this non-controversial resolution was not on the suspension calendar this week.

The dehumanization suffered by over 200,000 ``comfort women'' in Asia before and during World War II is one of the greatest and most averted tragedies of the 20th century. These women were ordinary and innocent civilians, ranging from young girls who had barely reached adolescence, to married women with children at home. These women shared in common, coercion into sex slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army.

Equally disturbing is Japan's modern and democratic government's refusal to issue a formal apology for this atrocity. I believe these women deserve a clear and unambiguous apology and reparations from the Japanese government to recognize the fact that their personal dignity was ripped from them.

In 1999, when I served in the California State Assembly, I authored Assembly Joint Resolution 27, which called on Congress to urge the Japanese government to issue an apology for the victims of the Rape of Nanking, comfort women, and POWs who were used as slave laborers. The resolution was ultimately passed, and urged Congress to pass similar legislation.

Now, 7 years after the success of AJR27, I stand united with my colleagues in support of H. Res. 759. I commend my good friend Lane Evans for his tireless work on this issue, and I thank him for his courage and leadership. I look forward to carrying on his work and legacy after his retirement this year.

Given the wide bipartisan support for this resolution, as evidenced by its 55 co-sponsors; the endorsement of four major caucuses, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, and the Congressional Caucus on Korea; and its non-controversial language and recent passage by Unanimous Consent out of the House International Relations Committee, I simply cannot accept that H. Res. 759 is too controversial or lacks the importance to be on the suspension calendar.

It is only right that we provide justice for the victims of the Pacific theater with the same fervor as we did for those in the European theater of WWII. Congress has a moral duty to shed light on this issue and pass H. Res. 759 in order to send a powerful message to the government of Japan, and I am disappointed that this resolution is being ignored.

Mr. Speaker, Congress must not politicize a resolution that will give some peace of mind to the comfort women and those who have worked so hard on their behalf. I sincerely hope that H. Res. 759 will be brought to the House floor under suspension of the rules. In the name of historical reconciliation and human rights, moving this resolution forward is the right thing to do. We must hasten the day when the comfort women achieve the justice they deserve at last.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6203, which is very similar to a bill we marked up earlier this year in the Science Committee, with some of the more expensive and contentious elements taken out.

I'm pleased that this bill, which enjoys bipartisan support, contains amendments offered by a number of my colleagues in committee, including Mr. Baird, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Mr. Brad Miller, Ranking Member Gordon, Ms. Matsui, Mr. Al Green, Ms. Woolsey, Ms. Jackson-Lee.

The bill addresses research on a wide range of important energy technologies, including advanced biofuels, hydrogen storage, wind energy, plug in hybrid vehicles, energy efficient buildings, and alternative biobased fuels and ultra low sulfur diesel.

The bill also establishes programs for energy technology transfer and green energy education, and calls for a study of an advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy.

I'm particularly pleased that the bill includes research on advanced solar photovoltaic technologies and a photovoltaic demonstration program. In August, Chairwoman Biggert and I held a field hearing in my district that focused on photovoltaics.

At the hearing, the witnesses, and let me just note there were 2 Nobel Prize winners on the panel, described how the relatively high cost current supply constraints associated with currently available solar technologies are limiting adoption. But they also outlined several research directions that will help reduce costs and ease manufacturing, which will expand availability.

So I'm glad that this bill will help move that research along and establish a demonstration program to speed adoption, with the goal of making electricity generated by solar photovoltaic power cost- competitive by 2015.

I have some concerns about the ramifications of the coal methanation section in the area of greenhouse gas emissions. While I want to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil as much as anyone, in doing so we need to be mindful of the harmful effects of global climate change.

Converting coal to liquid or gaseous fuels results in much greater carbon dioxide emissions than for conventional crude oil derived hydrocarbon fuels. I hope that any plants built using such an approach will incorporate carbon capture and storage, in order to keep those gases out of our atmosphere.

The rapid development of alternative energy sources is essential to our nation's security, and while I wish we could do more, I'm happy to support the efforts included in H.R. 6203 and ask my colleagues to vote for it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Minnie Vautrin, an American woman and missionary whose heroism changed the course of history during World War II.

Our country has seen countless acts of heroism in the face of war atrocities both in our country and abroad, Japan's violent occupation of then-capital Nanking, China, historically known as the Rape of Nanking, claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent Chinese men, women and children and left its mark on history as one of the most brutal massacres and crimes against humanity of the 20th Century. An estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians were killed, and an estimated 20,000 women were raped, with some estimates as high as 80,000.

Minnie Vautrin, a missionary who worked at a women's college in Nanking, courageously stood against the Japanese imperial army. A native of Illinois, she was one of the few Americans in the region when the Japanese army invaded Nanking.

By using the American flag and proclamations issued by the American Embassy in China maintaining the college a sanctuary, Minnie helped repel incursions into the college, where thousands of women and children sought protection from the Japanese army. She often risked her own life to defend the lives of thousands of Chinese civilians.

Her devotion during this horrific event earned her the nickname ``American Goddess of Mercy'' among the people of Nanking, where she is fondly remembered. Her heroic actions and unparalleled efforts to save lives deserve to be recognized. Sadly, her story is relatively unknown.

That is why I, along with 14 of my colleagues, am introducing a resolution honoring her sacrifice, courage, humanity, and commitment to peace and justice during the violent Rape of Nanking. Minnie Vautrin's story defines patriotism and heroism in the midst of war, and the introduction of this resolution honors her achievements today, the 120th anniversary of her birth.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleagues for joining me in honor of this phenomenal yet unsung heroine. To the thousands of innocent men, women and children whose lives were spared because of Minnie Vautrin's bold courage, she will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday this House voted and unanimously passed H. Res. 622, to recognize and honor the Filipino World War II veterans for their defense of democratic ideals and their important contribution to the outcome of World War II. While I applaud the House's long due recognition to the bravery and commitment of these Filipino veterans in the service of the United States military, I must stress that our responsibility in Congress is still not complete. A great injustice was perpetrated on the Filipino veterans, and Congress must correct it.

On July 26, 1941, President Roosevelt ordered the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines to serve under the United States military command. Thousands of Filipino soldiers gave their lives in the battles of Bataan and Corregidor, and more than 120,000 Filipinos fought under the command of General Douglas MacArthur during World War II. These soldiers won for the United States the precious time needed to disrupt the enemy's plan for conquest of the Pacific. At the time of recruitment, the United States government promised that all members of the armed forces who fought for our Nation would be treated as U.S. veterans for the purposes of their benefits.

Congress unfortunately withdrew this promise through the Rescission Act of 1946, which stated that the service of these Filipino soldiers ``shall not be deemed to be or have been service in the military or naval forces of the United States''. While some Filipino veterans now receive full veterans' benefits, many others are still waiting for the Congress to do the right thing, and restore the benefits that were promised to them nearly six decades ago.

Although H. Res. 622 recognizes the brave men and women who sacrificed to keep our country safe, the resolution does not fully restore justice to these brave patriots. H.R. 4574, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act, would amend the Rescission Act of 1946, restoring their honor and their veteran status as was promised.

Mr. Speaker, these WWII heroes are in the twilight of their lives, and time is running out for Congress to fully recognize their service. Do not let H. Res. 622 be a simple substitute for the also bipartisan H.R. 4574 that will restore the honor and dignity these Filipino veterans rightfully deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United Nations International Day of Peace. In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 21 as the permanent date for International Peace. Its purpose is to encourage the manifestation of the vital Spirit that unifies us amid our diverse ways. In a time where we are witness to mass violence, acts of genocide, and war, the United Nations International Day of Peace draws attention to the need to implement strategies linking development, security, human rights and peace into a cohesive framework.

It also presents an opportunity for citizens of our country to honor the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, which emphasizes the need for the international community to recognize and implement strategies to focus on and ensure assistance for children exposed to harmful and violent situations.

On this day when we focus on the goal of individual and collective progress toward building cultures of peace, we must pause to remember the tragic loss of 2,683 fallen American heroes and the estimated 48,000 civilians in Iraq who have lost their lives due to war and violence.

As the lone remaining superpower, America serves as a model for other nations, and it is our duty to lead other nations to peace. On this International Day of Peace, we must reflect actions our nation can take to alleviate tensions and causes of conflict, such as bringing our troops home safely using an exit strategy that is executed with accountability and diplomacy and which helps achieve harmony among other nations.

As a proud representative of California's 15th Congressional District, I am committed to devoting myself and my district to building Cultures of Peace for the children of the world and for future generations. My constituents and I hope that the acts of peace we perform on this day serve to strengthen the ongoing legacy of democracy, liberty and equality within our country.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday July 24th, I was unavoidably detained due to family matters I had to attend to in Seattle, WA and was not present for rollcall votes on that day.

Had I been present I would have voted:

``Yea'' on rollcall 394, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a pilot program under which up to 15 States may issue electronic Federal migratory bird hunting stamps.

``Yea'' on rollcall 395, to reduce temporarily the royalty required to be paid for sodium produced on Federal lands, and for other purposes.

``Yea'' on rollcall 396, to establish a grant program whereby moneys collected from violations of the corporate average fuel economy program are used to expand infrastructure necessary to increase the availability of alternative fuels.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mary Tsukamoto for her commitment to educating young people in the Elk Grove Unified School District and to advocating for the Japanese-American community. With the use of the curriculum that she developed in the Elk Grove School District and the naming of the Mary Tsukamoto Elementary School in Sacramento, CA, Ms. Tsukamoto has been honored since her passing 8 years ago.

Born in 1915 into an immigrant family in San Francisco, Mary Tsukamoto and her four siblings attended segregated schools throughout childhood. In 1942, when Mary was just 27, she, her husband, Al, and their daughter, Marielle, were sent to an internment camp in Arkansas. Following that dark period in her life, Mary Tsukamoto emerged determined to fight for Japanese-American causes.

As an Elk Grove School District teacher for 25 years, Mary developed an educational curriculum addressing the treatment of Asian-Americans in the United States. This curriculum, ``Time of Remembrance,'' is a living history program featuring interviews, photographs, and artifacts from the internment camps compiled by Mary Tsukamoto. The motto for ``Time of Remembrance'' is that ``never again'' should an American lose his or her fundamental rights.

After her retirement from teaching in the mid-1970s, Mary Tsukamoto continued to teach and lead the community. Her leadership contributed to the successful effort to seek a federal apology and restitution for Japanese-American internment. Subsequently, Mary co-authored a book with Elizabeth Pinkerton titled We the People: A Story of Internment in America, and worked closely with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC to create an exhibit about Japanese-American internment. This activism, along with her outstanding teaching record, was recognized during this year's National Women's History Month and at

receptions in both California and Washington, DC.

Recently Mary was selected as one of ten National Women's History Month honorees by the National Women's History Project. With this honor, her life story was featured on XM radio and on the Lifetime TV Channel. This year's National Women's History Month theme was ``Women: Builders of Communities and Dreams,'' a fitting theme to describe the life of a community hero.

As a civil rights activist, author, and teacher, Mary Tsukamoto affected the lives and perspectives of many Americans. Her legacy is seen in civil rights legislation and the state-wide use of her curriculum. It is in recognition and admiration of Mary Tsukamoto that I stand in honor today. Her life's work is remembered and respected.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 721, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis that I am proud to have cosponsored. H. Res. 721 supports the goals and ideals of a Salvadoran-American Day (El Dia del Salvadoreno).

Currently, there are more than 900,000 Salvadoran Americans living in the United States, with the majority of them living in California, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and New York. In the Los Angeles metropolitan area alone there are nearly 400,000 Salvadoran-Americans.

Today, El Dia del Salvadoreno is celebrated among the Latino community in California. This celebration of Salvadoran traditions dates back to 1525 when the city of Villa De San Salvador was founded.

The history of the United States is a rich and enduring tapestry woven with the threads of many remarkable cultures and events, and the lives, work, and artistry of Salvadoran-Americans have added strength, vitality, and purpose to that tapestry.

As a former Peace Corp volunteer in El Salvador, I experienced first hand the culture, hard work and dedication of the people. I commend Salvadoran-Americans for their resilience and contribution to the stability and well-being of the United States. I also thank the estimated 800 Salvadoran nationals who are currently serving in the U.S. military for their efforts on behalf of the security of our country.

The Salvadoran-American community continues to make great economic and cultural contributions to daily life in the United States, and I am proud to support H. Res. 721 and the goals and ideals of Salvadoran- American Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Magen David Adom (MDA) Society for securing full membership in the International Red Cross.

For many years the Magen David Adom Society was denied the right to join the International Red Cross. The Red Cross informed them that they could not use the Star of David, a symbol integral to their identity as the first aid and disaster relief organization of the Jewish State. The International Red Cross informed them that in order to join they would have to abandon their symbol and take on a symbol like the Christian cross or Moslem red crescent.

Standing fast to their principles, they continued to use the Star of David as their symbol as they dedicated themselves to excellence and rose as one of the premier ambulatory organizations in the world. In addition to their extensive record in providing aid to those in need all throughout Israel, they have excelled through their contributions to medical relief efforts throughout the world. The United States owes a great debt to MDA's assistance during the Hurricane Katrina disaster where they used their expertise and state-of-the-art technology to save the lives of countless Americans. Their relief work abroad is extensive, including their recent disaster relief work in Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Romania.

In light of the MDA's role as a leader in the field, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice diligently worked with our allies abroad to allow MDA to join the International Red Cross. Through her work and the efforts of countless others, Israel's medical society has finally been admitted to the International Red Cross when a neutral symbol, the Red Diamond, was accepted as an alternative symbol. Israel is now free to use the Star of David within a diamond as their international insignia as a full-fledged member of the International Red Cross. This alliance between the Magen David Adom Society and the International Committee of the Red Cross is truly a monumental step for all humanitarian efforts and hopefully can serve as a model of international goodwill.

Mr. Chairman, just very briefly, the Tri-Caucus strongly believes that the VRA continues to effectively combat discrimination and protect the gains achieved for minority voters.

It is well documented that language assistance is needed and used by voters. For instance, the U.S. DOJ has reported that in one year, registration rates among Spanish and Filipino-speaking American citizens grew by 21 percent and registration among Vietnamese-speaking American citizens increased over 37 percent after San Diego County started providing language assistance.

In Apache County, Arizona, the Navajos have increased their turnout; and the Navajo Code Talkers, who sacrificed their lives during World War II, were able to participate in this process.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to associate myself with all the comments that have been shared with this country on this floor this morning.

My mother is a U.S. citizen. She was born in 1916. My father was born in 1914. Both U.S. citizens. My father was a linguist, so English, Japanese, Cantonese, Filipino were not a difficult thing for him.

My mother was born in a family of farmers who believed that women should stay home and raise families, did not have the opportunity for the education that my father had. Her experiences are not much different from those who come to this country and choose to be U.S. citizens and would like to use their primary language as a way to understand and comprehend fully that which is before them.

Prior to 1964, poll taxes, intelligence, literacy and property tests were used to sabotage the rights of voting citizens and circumvent the Constitution. Voting franchise came haltingly and very, very piecemeal to Asian Americans.

Reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act will continue the franchise and the guarantee of votes for all people and all citizens of this country.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to associate myself with the comments of my colleague from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart).

Mr. Chairman, as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I rise also today to oppose the Stearns amendment.

Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act provides protection to enable every American citizen to exercise their most fundamental and important right, the right to vote. In short, voting is power.

Unfortunately, even today, many minority voters face impediments or barriers to voting, including language barriers. The Stearns amendment will eliminate funding for enforcement of section 203. When that happens, States and localities will be free to discriminate against tax-paying American citizens and impede their right to vote.

Section 203 has support from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress and from Ronald Reagan to Bill Clinton to George W. Bush.

The Tri-Caucus strongly believes that VRA continues to effectively combat discrimination and protect the

gains achieved for minority voters. For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice has reported that, in one year, registration rates among Spanish and Filipino-speaking American citizens grew by 21 percent and registration among Vietnamese-speaking American citizens increased over 37 percent after San Diego County started providing language assistance.

In Apache County, Arizona, the Department's enforcement activities have resulted in a 26 percent increase in Native American turnout in four years, allowing Navajo Code talkers, veterans, and the elderly to participate in elections for the first time.

The Stearns Amendment to H.R. 5672 would undermine the Voting Rights Act reauthorization process and effectively disenfranchise language minority voters through the appropriations process.

Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Stearns amendment (#21) to H.R. 5672, the Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations Act for FY 2007.

Mr. Chairman, as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I rise today to oppose the Stearns Amendment (#21) to H.R. 5672, FY 2007 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Bill.

Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act, or VRA, provides protections to enable every American citizen to exercise their most fundamental and important right--the right to vote. Voting is the most important tool Americans have to influence the policies our government adopts that affect every aspect of our lives. In short, voting is power. Unfortunately, even today, many minority voters face impediments or barriers to voting including language barriers.

The Stearns Amendment (#21) would eliminate funding for Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). By eliminating funding for Section 203 enforcement, states and localities would be free to discriminate against taxpaying American citizens and impede their right to vote.

The VRA that includes Section 203 has received bi-partisan support from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress and from

Ronald Reagan to Bill Clinton to George W. Bush. The Tri-Caucus strongly believes the VRA continues to effectively combat discrimination and protect the gains achieved for minority voters.

It is well documented that language assistance is needed and used by voters. For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice has reported that in one year, registration rates among Spanish- and Filipino-speaking American citizens grew by 21 percent and registration among Vietnamese- speaking American citizens increased over 37 percent after San Diego County started providing language assistance.

In Apache County, Arizona, the Department's enforcement activities have resulted in a 26 percent increase in Native American turnout in 4 years, allowing Navajo Code talkers, veterans, and the elderly to participate in elections for the first time.

The Stearns Amendment to H.R. 5672 would undermine the Voting Rights Act reauthorization process and effectively disenfranchise language minority voters through the appropriations process.

Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Stearns Amendment (#21) to H.R. 5672, the Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations Act for FY 2007.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of World Refugee Day.

As chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I stand with my colleagues to articulate the importance of providing aid to refugees.

Today we call attention to the plight of refugees, celebrating their courage and resilience, and renewing our commitment to solving refugee problems.

Established in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Refugee Day is celebrated every June 20th. Previously commemorated as African Refugee Day, many countries and regions have held their own Refugee Days to help acknowledge the U.N.'s formal recognition of refugees in 1951. June 20th marks a day of global solidarity in an international effort to help refugees.

From Africa to Asia, the plight of refugees is not owned by one people or one country. Stemming from cultural, political and economic events, there are over 8.4 million refugees worldwide. Often uprooted from their homes and seeking safe haven in other countries, refugees find themselves in dire situations in need of aid and relief.

Founded as a nation of immigrants, we must recognize that many of our Nation's citizens are descendants of refugees or refugees themselves. From the potato famine in Ireland to the war in Vietnam, the U.S. has an established relationship of helping our global neighbors find refuge. While we debate comprehensive immigration reform, we must remember the contributions of refugees and be sure to include provisions to aid those displaced by situations they have no control over.

Additionally, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has brought the issue of refugees to our own backyard. Many of those hard hit by Katrina were displaced from their homes, unsure of what to do. Lacking relief efforts and aid, our own citizens experienced the consequences of a situation they had no control over. Let us look to Katrina as an example of the course of action we must take in order for us to prevent situations where those in need are left in despair.

As a Nation, we must protect the basic human rights of refugees and ensure that they will not be returned involuntarily to a country where they face persecution. In addition to protecting human rights, we must do all that we can to provide foreign aid and assistance to nations that help refugees. Providing shelter, food, water and medical care in the immediate aftermath of any refugee exodus must be a priority.

Furthermore, as chair of the Congressional Ethiopia and Ethiopian American Caucus, I had the privilege of visiting Ethiopia and interacting with refugees. I saw first hand the cultural, political, and economic causes of their suffering. Now, more than ever, I believe that the U.S. should be the leader in the international effort to combat displacement.

Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support World Refugee Day and ensuring that refugees across the globe receive the aid that they deserve. I urge my colleagues to join me to address this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, we are on the floor today debating a most serious issue. However, rather than truly addressing solutions, the resolution before us is filled with platitudes which seek to vindicate the ill advised policies of the President's war on Iraq. Rather than allowing a meaningful and constructive debate on Iraq, the Republican Leadership decided not to allow any amendments to their resolution. It is a travesty that the elected representatives of the American people are prevented today from offering policy alternatives that might actually affect the shape of U.S. policy in Iraq.

This debate had the potential to mark a turning point to the current vacuum of congressional oversight over the Bush Administration as it pursues its misguided and incompetently planned war in Iraq. Rather than offering real solutions, the Republican Majority in Congress has decided to rubber stamp the President's campaign in Iraq.

The American people know what has happened, and demand more than just a rubber stamp from their representatives in Congress. Just as in the case of Vietnam, they see a White House which misled our country into war. Using shoddy evidence and insinuations about the connections between Iraq and al Qaeda, the Bush Administration took our country to war to face the ``imminent threat'' of an Iraq with nuclear weapons.

Despite claims by the Republicans and the Bush Administration, there was no significant relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction, a fact which Hans Blix, the head of the UN weapons inspection team, recently stated would have become clear had President Bush not ignored our allies' requests that we give the inspectors a few more months before invading. After its claims about the weapons of mass destruction were proven to be incorrect, the Administration has continually shifted its rationale for the invasion.

As though it were not bad enough that we went into a war in an incompetent and deceptive manner, it is unforgivable that our troops were sent into this war without adequate planning and equipment. Our troops are out there putting their lives on the line, yet the President decided to follow the advice of misguided ideologues in overruling the plans developed by experts before the war. One former commander of U.S. Central command, General Anthony Zinni, said that ``ten years worth of planning were thrown away; troop levels dismissed out of hand . . . these were not tactical mistakes, these were strategic mistakes, mistakes of policy made back here.''

There are better ways to support our troops than to send more of them to their death in a poorly planned war. It's time to shift our approach from the ineffectual policies of a President who only listens to advisors with pre-determined hawkish mindsets. As a member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, I stand with my colleagues in urging Congress to urgently re-evaluate the failed policies of the President. Representative Jack Murtha has drafted a resolution that encourages the Iraqi people to take charge of their own security and lays the groundwork for bringing our troops home.

These are the sort of options we should be debating today if we truly want to demonstrate our support for our troops. Instead, the Republican Leadership has put forth this political ploy. Congress should fulfill their Constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight instead of continuing to place blind faith in the President as he pursues the war in Iraq.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I do not support this shameful attempt to provide an illusion of oversight.