2007: Deadliest Year for U.S. Troops in Iraq

Floor Speech

SPEECH OF
HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2007

* Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 852 men and women of the Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives in Iraq this year. Tragically, this brings the total number of American troops killed in Iraq to 3,855.

* The sobering news that 2007 has been the deadliest for U.S. soldiers in Iraq so far is another reminder of the grave human costs of the President's misguided war strategy. The President's promises that his surge would reduce violence ring hollow, despite the increase in number of troops and the hard work of our men and women on the ground who are fighting in the midst of a civil war. Every month in 2007 has seen more U.S. casualties than the same month in 2006. And with two months left before the New Year, U.S. casualties may far exceed previous years.

* This grim milestone shared the headlines with another important headline this morning: According to an ABC News poll, fifty-nine percent of Americans do not think the United States is making significant progress restoring civil order in Iraq. A record six in ten want the level of U.S. forces in Iraq reduced.

* Congress must listen to the American people, who want the war in Iraq brought to an end. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote against any additional funding for this war until it is tied to a firm date for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

* As we continue to debate the best way out of the war in Iraq, I hope that we remember the sacrifices Americans have made in blood and treasure. We must not let this war, and the tragic loss of life, continue.

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