Congressman Young Continues Strong Support of Troops
"Our troops are performing heroically and they need our support now more than ever!"
-Rep. Young
Washington, D.C.,
Apr 26, 2007 -
Congressman for All Alaska Don Young voted again today against a bill that would undermine our military’s efforts in Iraq and set an unrealistic timetable for the end of U.S. involvement. The Conference Report on the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health, and Iraq of 2007 (H.R. 1591) came to the floor for a vote this evening, which would mandate an early withdrawal of our troops fighting for freedom both at home and abroad. This legislation takes decisions out of the hands of the military and places it in the hands of politicians, who are unqualified to make such determinations.
“This $124 billion bill (which includes $25 billion in non-emergency spending) sets an unrealistic timetable for the end of our involvement in Iraq!†declared Congressman Young. “When the President addressed the country in his State of the Union address this year, he set forth his initiative to increase the size of our Army and Marine Corps, in order to enhance our capabilities, and reduce the stress on those there now. The plan also allowed Iraqi troops to take the forefront. The ultimate goal is for an Iraq held stable by the Iraqi people, not the American people. But we are there now, and we must see them through. Abandoning Iraq before the job is done will only leave a breeding ground of terror and Islamic militancy. The United States is heavily invested in the future outcome of Iraq and the Middle East and we cannot abandon our pledge to the Iraqi people.
“I assure you that Congress hears what the American people are saying, and I hear what my constituents are saying, but I cannot support any Congressional actions which may hinder the Commander in Chief from implementing a strong defense of our nation. We have just begun the successful implementation of our troop surge, and the insurgents know the United States will not back down. Our troops are performing heroically and they need our support now more than ever! I will not vote in favor of any bill that undermines them in this endeavor!â€
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