Standing Strong

STANDING STRONG -- (House of Representatives - June 29, 2005)

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Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky, and I want to salute him as well as the gentleman from Texas for their remarks this evening. I also want to recognize the importance of this debate that we are having here tonight to point out where we are in Iraq, to salute our men and women in uniform, and to really set the record straight.

As the gentleman from Kentucky has said, there has been much rhetoric tonight in this Chamber and throughout the last couple of months aimed at the President's policies and our policies, the American policies in Iraq. And, in fact, it is those policies that I think represent a bold approach to safety for the citizens of this country. They are also a bold approach which represents and reflects an awareness that we must act in this country, in a new world and a new paradigm, against an enemy the likes of which we really have not seen before.

It is this so-called Bush doctrine that takes a very courageous stand against the terrorists and says that we will never, ever condone the killing of innocent people. It is that sense of moral clarity that governs the actions of this administration, and I salute this President for his strength and his courage.

But I think there are some important points that we ought to make this evening, an evening that is just 1 day after the 1-year anniversary of the return of sovereignty to Iraq. A few points I would like to make are, number one, we must fight the terrorists abroad, otherwise the terrorists will strike us here at home.

And thank God, Mr. Speaker, for the men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to go over there to defend our liberty that we may enjoy here while they are abroad. I salute them and I salute their families for what they do for all of us here in America.

Secondly, our mission in Iraq is clear: we must help Iraqis build a free nation, strong enough to defend itself and also to advance freedom in the broader Middle East. This, Mr. Speaker, will make us more secure here at home by closing yet another potential terrorist outpost around the world.

Mr. Speaker, it is this notion, that we must seek out the threat and go after it before it comes after us, that this President has pursued. That is our mission in Iraq. That, unfortunately, is what the other side of the aisle has consistently condemned this President for, the strength and courage that he has exhibited.

Thirdly, Mr. Speaker, I would say that the sacrifice that our troops make, the sacrifice that their families make is difficult and often painful. But, clearly, Mr. Speaker, their efforts and their sacrifice are worth enduring because it is that sacrifice that lays the foundation for peace for our children and our grandchildren and the future generations of this country.

Fourth, I would say that our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serve with pride. They serve with pride and honor despite the attacks, despite what I call the irresponsible rhetoric that has come from many of the leaders on the other side of the aisle in this body and others questioning the sense or the wisdom of our mission in Iraq.

Once this mission has taken place, once we have gone over to Iraq, the mission the President has set out is very clear. We are there. The exit strategy is for the Iraqi soldiers, the Iraqi security forces to be in place, to be able to defend that country. That is when we will leave. These young men and women have fought bravely, and they deserve our respect and certainly our honor.

I would like at this time to bring to Members' attention a letter from one of my constituents currently serving in Iraq. I think it demonstrates really the sense of pride that is felt by our young men and women in uniform.

Marine Corps Captain Matthew James Markham is an F-18 fighter pilot. He wrote to me recently, "I am about to begin my fifth month of deployment to the Al Anbar province of Iraq, where I am serving as a pilot with the Fighting Bengals, an F-18 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron. Our squadron was here for the election, and I was proud to be piloting a Hornet over Baghdad on that historic day. Since then, we have provided overwatch for many convoys, directed cordon and searches, located and destroyed enemy mortar sites, and provided air cover for many special operations forces raids. While all these jobs are important, nothing has excited us more than to see the increased role the Iraqi security forces and Iraqi defense forces have been providing in defending this young democracy.

"Morale among our individual Marines remains high. I am amazed how enthusiastically our Marines perform their jobs despite the intense heat and long hours, and I am honored to lead such individuals."

Mr. Speaker, I submit that the morale of our troops is high, their mission is clear, and thank God for the young men and women serving in the United States military.

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