FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2003

CONTACT: Brendan Daly (202)225-0100

Democratic Leaders Tom Daschle and Nancy Pelosi Deliver Weekly Radio Address on Support for Our Troops

Democratic Leaders Tom Daschle and Nancy Pelosi delivered the weekly Democratic Radio Address today. Below is a transcript of their remarks:

A Message to America’s Men and Women in Uniform

Sen. Daschle: "Hello, this is Tom Daschle, the Democratic Leader in the United States Senate.

Rep. Pelosi: "And this is Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic Leader.

Sen. Daschle: "We speak today not as members of a political party, but as Americans.

Rep. Pelosi: "And we speak, especially, to our brave men and women in uniform and to their families.

Sen. Daschle: "I voted last fall to give the President the authority to use force in Iraq, if it were needed, because I believe that Saddam Hussein poses a threat to his people, his region and our national security. But acts of Congress cannot disarm regimes that deceive inspectors and refuse to give up their deadly arsenals. Only acts of brave men and women can do that.

"Today, a quarter of a million Americans are in the Persian Gulf, risking their lives to disarm Saddam Hussein. Our nation is united in gratitude and respect for them and in support for our Commander in Chief. We are also united in grief for those we have lost in this conflict. We offer our deepest condolences to their families and all who loved them. America stands with them, now and always.

"There is an old tradition. I saw it when I was in the Air Force. People carry with them into war small, treasured objects that give them strength and remind them why they are fighting. For some, it is a photograph of a child or a spouse or a parent. For others, it may be a letter, a favorite psalm or a watch handed down from one generation to another. In this battle, our men and women in the Gulf carry something else as well. They carry with them the thoughts and prayers of every American. They also have our commitment that they will have everything they need to achieve their mission.

"Thousands of South Dakota’s sons and daughters are serving our nation in the effort to disarm Saddam Hussein. When I was home two weeks ago, I visited three small towns not far from Mount Rushmore. In every town, I met good people who had someone they love either in the Gulf or on their way. You could feel their anxiety. But even more than that, you could feel their pride.

"We share that pride. America’s armed forces are the best-trained, best-equipped force the world has ever known. We know that they will perform their mission with great skill and honor. We are deeply grateful to them - and their families - for their courage and sacrifice. And we pray that they return home safely and soon.

Rep. Pelosi: "Although I did not support the resolution that brought us into this war, I join Senator Daschle in honoring our courageous men and women in uniform, including tens of thousands from my state of California. They are an inspiration.

"Three weeks ago in the Persian Gulf, I visited courageous Americans now risking their lives in Iraq. They volunteered to serve America. They are focused on their mission, motivated by a profound love of country, and prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. They are the best-trained, the best-equipped and the best-led military force the world has ever seen. Every American owes them a debt of gratitude that words cannot fully express.

"During my visit, I met a young soldier named Captain Jennifer Schulke from Fort Bliss, Texas. Captain Schulke is the commander of a Patriot missile battery in Kuwait. But she is also something else - a mother. She spoke with pride about her little girl back home who will be two years old next week. On her daughter’s birthday, March 27, Captain Schulke will be serving her country halfway around the world. As we honor the heroism of our men and women in uniform, we also recognize the sacrifice their families are making for our country.

"There is no heavier burden for a President, and no more solemn choice for this nation, than to send these brave men and women into battle. As Commander-in-Chief, President Bush has made that decision. As leaders in Congress, we pledge to our forces and their families: you will have all the support you need to win this war and to win the peace.

"Today, we pray for the swift and successful disarmament of Iraq with the least possible loss of life. We pray for their safe return of our troops into the loving arms of their families. And we resolve to keep building a world worthy of their sacrifice. May God bless our courageous forces and their brave families. And may God bless America."

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi