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May 10, 2007

Velázquez Statement on House Iraq Resolution: “Bring Our Troops Home”

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) addressed the US House of Representatives today, expressing support for our troops, calling for a swift and responsible troop withdrawal, and reiterating her 2002 position on the war in Iraq:  

“Mr. Speaker, today is a landmark day in our efforts to end the war in Iraq.  There is nothing more offensive to a democracy than a war being waged against the People’s will.  Yet that is the situation our soldiers face every day.

“Tonight, the House has a chance to reflect the will of the People on the most important issue of our time.  We have the opportunity to vote to reunite our soldiers with their families.  Let this body speak with one booming voice that cannot be denied.  Mr. President – No More Surges.  Bring them home. 

“I have opposed this war from day one.  But now is not the time to talk about the past.  It’s time to talk about the future of this country.  Under the legislation proposed by my friend from Massachusetts, Mr. McGovern, most of our soldiers and contractors in Iraq will be back with us in 9 months.      

“The Iraq war has ended the lives of nearly 150 New Yorkers, and nearly 3,400 Americans.  The young people we have lost in Iraq are as diverse as America itself – they are people of color, teenagers, women, immigrants of many faiths, and many are from my own home in Brooklyn.  Tens of thousands more are severely injured and will need our care for the rest of their lives. 

“The surge we have seen in Iraq has been a surge in casualties.  We lost 104 young men and women last month, the 6th deadliest month since the War began more than 4 years ago.  We do not serve Iraq by staying there.  While our military can help the Iraqi government with security, no surge can resolve Iraq’s bitter political differences.  Our diplomatic efforts will carry more weight after we leave.  We can better ask Iraq’s neighbors to help when we are Iraq’s partner, not its occupier.  

“It’s time to bring our troops home to their families.  By supporting Speaker Pelosi’s package of H.R.2237, H.R.2206 and H.R.2207, we can achieve critical domestic priorities, fund our soldiers and veterans, and begin a swift withdrawal from Iraq.  I urge the support of my colleagues.”