By Staff
The House spent almost all of last week debating a non-binding resolution on the Iraq war. This was an historic debate, in which almost all members of the House went to the floor to participate; unfortunately, with the new House Democratic majority, the resolution passed.
I went to the House floor to express my disapproval of this resolution, and the statements I made are, in part, below:
As my colleagues - and certainly the people from south Alabama that I am so proud to represent know - I don't often come to this floor either to hear my own voice or to try to offer some prophetic words of wisdom on whatever the topic of the day happens to be.
My father often told me &#8220you learn a lot more from listening than you do from talking.”
So in many ways, that's what I've been doing the past few days - listening to my colleagues and thinking about the consequences of the words we're debating.
And after a lot of listening to a lot of words, I find myself compelled to come and say in the most direct way I know - I am opposed to this non-binding resolution.
Let me say this again for, after all, that is what we are talking about - this is a non-binding resolution.
It is nothing more than a few words on a piece of paper and yet they are powerful words that have the potential of being demoralizing and possibly even destructive.
Make no mistake the resolution we are debating today doesn't have the force of law behind it.
So for those of you watching from home, let's be clear: at a time when the president recognizes &#8220the situation in Iraq is unacceptable and it is clear that we need to change our strategy,” this resolution will not stop the deployment of a single soldier or marine to Iraq, nor will it bring a single soldier or marine home to their families and loved ones.
More importantly, this resolution does not offer any alternative strategy. Nothing. Zip.
It is silent with regard to our country's ongoing efforts in fighting the global war on terror.
Instead, it is simply - and unfortunately - a method by which the House Democratic majority is seeking to send a message to the president of the United States.
But my friends, let's not kid ourselves - the words spoken in this chamber will travel much farther than the brief distance between the Capitol and the White House.
In reality, these words will travel far beyond our shores, across the globe to the 140,000 men and women who are currently deployed in Iraq and engaged in but one part - admittedly an important part - of a global war against Islamic militant extremists.”
My staff and I work for you. If we can ever be of service, do not hesitate to call my office toll free at 1-800-288-8721 or visit my website at http://bonner.house.gov.
Jo Bonner represents south Alabama in the U.S. House of Representatives.