At a time of enormously dangerous risks and threats around the world, Americans need a strong national defense. Today's global security environment presents new and difficult challenges for all Americans, especially our military.

We must focus on ensuring a strong national defense, maintaining high military readiness, meeting our commitments to a better quality of life for our armed forces and their families, and authorizing investment programs necessary to modernize the equipment that our forces use.

Today's most compelling challenge is Iraq. If we fail to achieve a secure Iraq, the consequences for our national security are ominous. Over the last several months, Democrats have been disappointed by the lack of adequate planning by the Bush Administration for a "postwar" Iraq – but are committed to working on a bipartisan basis with the Administration to ensure that the U.S. achieves its goals.

Democrats continue to support an ongoing, strong American commitment to ensuring a peaceful and stable Iraq. It is in the interests of the United States that a stable, democratic, and unified Iraq emerges in the Middle East, the U.S. must continue to work closely with the new Iraqi government to achieve success.

Beyond Iraq, there are many other national security concerns around the world. From Afghanistan to North Korea to the Philippines to the Mideast, the United States faces new challenges. With the global war against terrorism and new security threats around the globe every day, Americans must work together to enhance our national security