Foreign Policy

Two weeks ago House Republicans took to the floor and did everything they could to paint Democrats as unpatriotic, against the troops, and as having adopted a craven, "cut and run" posture on the war in Iraq.

Now we find out not only has the Bush administration already started to draw down troops in Iraq, but they have a plan on the table that is virtually identical to H.J. Res. 73, the Murtha "Over the Horizon" plan-the proposal endorsed by the 72 member "Out of Iraq" Caucus, which I Chair. The plan reportedly being pushed by Gen. Casey is looking to significantly reduce the number of troops in Iraq right before the November elections. Gen. Casey is adamant about allowing military leaders on the ground to determine when to further redeploy U.S. troops. He would keep a rapid-response strike force in the region to quell any flare ups that might threaten our allies or the national security of the U.S. Finally, the plan insists on pursuing diplomatic talks with the new Iraqi government and governments in the region to develop "a practical plan of security implementation." The Casey plan is virtually identical to Mr. Murtha's Over the Horizon resolution.

For more than a year, the Out of Iraq Caucus has been advocating the position that the Bush Administration now appears to be embracing with open arms, and we welcome their support.

But, what about the stone-throwing House Republicans? They seem to be in a rather embarrassing position because it looks like they either received the wrong talking points from Karl Rove, or the White House has cut-and-run on them.

When we send Americans to fight a war, our principal goal must be victory. Despite the administration's mismanagement of this war, their early miscalculations that were based on faulty intelligence and their failure to adequately armor and protect our troops, victory must still be our goal. Last year, the Louisiana Guard deployed to Iraq for what turned out to be a very difficult tour of duty. I went to see them in Iraq, and have talked with the leadership since their return. Based on these conversations, as well as my own observations of the circumstances today, I do not believe now is the time to set arbitrary start or end dates for withdrawal. We all want a peaceful and democratic Iraq, guarded and defended by Iraqis, but in my judgment, the disengagement of American forces, when it comes, must be based on protecting American lives, smart strategy and the realities on the ground -- not on arbitrary timetables.

This week the International Relations Committee's Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations approved my legislation to assist struggling businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. This bill will contribute to ending Africa's dependence on handouts from the international community. The Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises in Sub-Saharan African Countries Act (HR 4319) makes available professional, technical, and other resources for private sector development in sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, it offers entrepreneurship training for small and medium enterprises and helps financial institutions build their capacity for risk management.

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I voted against both resolutions because I support setting measurable goals for progress in Iraq and not arbitrary timetables and dates for redeployment. The American people want to see a plan for Iraq. As Nebraska's Senator, I hear from Nebraskans that they want to succeed in Iraq and bring the troops home.

We need to stand up the Iraqi military force, the security force and a functioning government. How many troops do they need in their army? How many do they have now? How soon can we get to the target number? If we can set measurable goals in those areas and work toward them then the American people will better understand what it is we are trying to achieve and how close we are to achieving them. Setting measurable goals, not arbitrary dates for withdrawal, will help the American people realize that our troops won't be there forever and objectives are within reach.

The nation has been in an uproar over granting amnesty to undocumented workers who cut our lawns or work in the restaurants where we eat, but it really should be outraged about plans to grant amnesty to those who murder, kidnap, or maim Americans in Iraq.

The challenge to both regional security in Northeast and Southeast Asia as well as to global security posed by the reckless behavior of North Korea should not be underestimated. Congress must constructively but realistically address the current actions of the North Koreans. The time is now to emphatically call on the Government of North Korea to cease producing nuclear weapons, to end its proliferation of ballistic missiles and to retract from a ballistic missile launch consistent with its 1999 pledge to refrain from such testing. House Concurrent Resolution 432 would convey this important message.

As a proposed long-range missile test remains in the forefront of global headlines, I call your attention to my testimony before the House Government Reform and Oversight Subcommittee on National Security back in May 1996:

"This [Clinton] Administration has chosen to ignore the ballistic missile threat to Alaska and Hawaii. If a rogue nation attempts to nuclear blackmail the United States by threatening to attack one or both of these states, would the President simply dismiss these states as a lost cause? I doubt it. Any consideration of the threat to the United States must take into account the entire fifty states; especially since previous CIA testimony confirms that long-range missiles -- the Taepodong-2 -- now under development by North Korea may pose a threat to Alaska or Hawaii by the year 2000 or shortly thereafter."

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You don't need to look further than Iraq to see that the Bush administration's dangerous doctrine of preemption is a failure that we cannot afford to repeat with Iran. Congress has neglected its oversight of this failed policy, and we must force a debate on this issue. If our goal is to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, then that is what our policies should be designed to do. We need to drop the preconditions for diplomacy and remove regime change from the table.

The United States and the world cannot allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

I believe the President is moving in the right direction.  A nuclear Iran is a threat to Israel, to Europe, and to the United States.

To put nuclear weapons in the hands of a President like Ahmadinejad who demonstrates every time he opens his mouth that he is incapable of holding the awesome power of nuclear weapon would be a monumental mistake.

If our nation is going to compete successfully in the global economy, we need everyone contributing their creativity, skill, and hard work. That's only going to happen though if we allow our young people the opportunity to get a quality education.So why, when the average college student now graduates with $19,000 worth of debt, is Congress bending over backwards to give tax breaks to oil companies and millionaires instead of helping those students? That's not just immoral, it's bad public policy. Democrats are ready to lead America in a new direction by making college tuition deductible from taxes, expanding Pell grants, and cutting the costs of student loans.