Statement of Congressman Pete Stark Opposing H.R. 2346, War Supplemental Appropriations For Fiscal Year 2009

Statement

I oppose the supplemental appropriations bill for the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Iraq, the American people were misled into a war that has cost our country almost $670 billion, with over 4,300 American lives lost and estimates showing hundreds of thousands of Iraqis killed. While President Obama's plan to scale down the troop levels in Iraq is a move in the right direction, I simply cannot justify any more spending for an illegitimate war.

In Afghanistan, over 600 Americans have been killed and more than 4,000 have been wounded. After years of mismanagement by the Bush Administration, we lack a clear objective and have no exit strategy.

At a time when our country is facing serious economic peril at home, it is unconscionable that we would be sending almost $100 billion to further fund war efforts that have no clear goals and continue to undermine America's standing abroad.

President Obama is moving America's foreign policy in a better direction, and he has shown superior judgment to President Bush on when we should send our troops into harm's way. However, I cannot support any more funding for these wars.

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