Washington, D.C. - Delivered on the House floor during debate, June 15, 2006
"On behalf of the families of East Texas, especially those with loved ones serving overseas, I strongly support this resolution. Despite what the national media portrays, the inconvenient truth is this:
Terrorists have been attacking America freely for more than two decades. We should have learned we cannot push America's security forward by retreating from terrorism, we can't strengthen the world by weakening our resolve nor can we support our troops by belittling them at every turn.
"It is clear to all but perhaps us that the terrorist strategy is not to defeat America in Iraq - they know they can't. Their strategy is to defeat America in America.
"They are counting on the American public to lose its will and for Washington politicians to undermine the morale and support of our troops overseas.
"If America quits, if America turns back now, no nation - no community -- will be safe from terrorism again. Terrorists will learn that they can wait us out, one public opinion poll at a time.
"And the next time America is attacked -- innocent people die and we vow justice -- who will believe us then? Who will follow us then?
"I stand with the President. We must persist in Iraq and Afghanistan until these nations are no longer safe havens for terrorism.
"We have 'taken the hill' against the terrorists, and too many Americans have sacrificed their lives for us to give it back now. Americans like Chief Warrant Officer Chuck Fortenberry of Woodville, Lance Corporal Shane Goodman of Orange, Staff Sargeant Christopher Everett of Huntsville, Specialist Michael Weger of Spring, and Specialist Hoby Bradfield of The Woodlands, among many others.
"Our troops have proven they won't quit - the question is will we? Our troops know what's at stake - the question is: do we?
"Let's not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by withdrawing our troops prematurely.
Let's put aside our partisan politics and unite until terrorism is truly and soundly defeated."
