Foreign Policy

I've been been to Iraq four times. The best kept secret in America is that there has always been a plan for training Iraqi forces and gradually lessening American forces' presence
there.

I've always felt that we've been on a 2-5 year time table, and it's looking more and more like that.

The President puts it very succinctly. If the Iraqi Forces step up, then we'll step down. That's always been the plan.

With all of the derision of us about being "cut and run," they feel enough political pressure for General Casey to propose what is "slice and jog."

It doesn't look as though they've made any moves toward international labor standards, and some of our members have problems with their boycott of Israel.

We have now made a complete mockery of the so-called mock mark-up process. Even when the Finance Committee acts unanimously to adopt an amendment, it has no meaning and no impact on the unamendable fast-tracked implementing bill (establishing a free-trade agreement with Oman) that is sent to the Congress.

Leaving out my amendment preventing goods made from forced labor to benefit from this trade agreement is a slap in the face to the Senate and to American workers. It is particularly appalling that the White House believes that imports made with the benefit of human trafficking, forced labor and slave-like working conditions should get special, duty-free access under bilateral trade agreements. American workers should not be forced to compete with forced labor of any kind.

With the selection of a new unity government, the Iraqi people have taken important steps in their effort to build a country based on democratic principles and the rule of law. Congress should now focus on providing support to meet the economic, and security milestones that will allow American troops to return home. Instead, John Kerry and the Democrats are posturing for their political base with arbitrary deadlines and immediate withdrawal. This sends the wrong message at the wrong time to the millions of Iraqis who have welcomed the removal of Saddam Hussein, supported a new constitution, and voted in their country's first free elections in history.

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.