Limiting Use of Funds to Establish Any Military Installation or Base in Iraq

Floor Speech

LIMITING USE OF FUNDS TO ESTABLISH ANY MILITARY INSTALLATION OR BASE IN IRAQ

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Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished Congresswoman from California, Barbara Lee for her work on H.R. 2929, which bans permanent military bases from being established in Iraq. She has long been a voice on ending the war in Iraq and I commend her and the work of Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey for their fortitude on this issue. I would also like to recognize Congressman Tom Allen and Congressman David Price for their commitment and contributions to the bill.

In-line with the Iraq Study Group report, this bill would prohibit the establishment of permanent U.S. military bases. It would also prohibit the United States from exercising control over Iraqi oil resources. This bill signals a larger issue and bigger picture--our presence in Iraq is not permanent. Let it be clear to the Bush Administration and the Iraqi people that this Congress will not support an open-ended military occupation in Iraq.

The American people have spoken. The American Congress has acted. If necessary, we will go on the record everyday until we bring the troops home--we owe it to them and their families. I am proud to support this bill and I urge my colleagues to join me.

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