Issue Position: Iraq

Issue Position

Issue Position: Iraq

Our first priority should be to ensure that the men and women who honorably serve our country are given the resources they need to succeed both on and off the battlefield. I have sponsored legislation that would ensure that federal employees do not face a pay cut if they are mobilized by the National Guard or Reserves, protect service members from financial scams and predatory paycheck lenders who often target our troops, and increase the benefits for the spouses and children of fallen service members. I have also consistently pressed the Defense Department to increase production and distribution of protective equipment and vehicles for our troops.

I fully support the Democrats' Real Security Plan that calls for 2006 to be a year of significant transition to full Iraqi sovereignty. For two years, the Bush Administration has promised Americans that Iraqi soldiers would stand up and fight for their own country. The rhetoric from the White House does not match the sad reality on the ground in Iraq. Like the American people, Democrats support our troops, and we must hold the Administration accountable until they keep their promises in Iraq so our soldiers can come back home.

Americans feel less secure today because the Bush Administration's budget shortchanges our police and firefighters; refuses to provide the necessary resources to secure our ports and chemical and nuclear plants; and fails to offer a plan for victory in Iraq. It's time for a new direction for America's security. Americans are ready for a change and Democrats will lead that effort.

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