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Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) will speak on the floor the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday concerning the H.R. 63, a resolution that opposes President Bush’s decision to send additional troops to Iraq. During his remarks, Klein will honor veterans throughout his district, paying homage to a resolution endorsed by the Broward County Veterans Council.
The following are the Congressman’s remarks, which he is expected to give late Thursday afternoon or later Thursday evening (please note: contact Adrienne at 202.997.5110 for updated information on the Congressman’s anticipated speaking time):
“Thank you Madame (Mr.) Speaker.
“I stand here today in support of H.R. 63, which opposes the President’s decision to deploy 21,000 additional U.S. combat troops to Iraq.
“I am also here today to specifically honor the Broward County Veterans Council, who recently adopted a resolution concerning the war in Iraq.
“The Broward County Veterans Council represents a host of veteran groups throughout Broward County, Florida, including the Broward chapters of: the American Legion; AmVets; the Disabled American Veterans; the Fleet Reserve; the Gold Star Mothers; the Italian American Veterans; the Jewish War Veterans; the Marine Corp League; the Navy League Council; the Order of the Purple Heart; the Paralyzed Veterans Association; the Reserve Officers Association; the Retired Officers Association; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Vietnam Veterans of America; and the World War 1 Barracks.
“The Broward County Veterans Council, led by its Chairman, Bill Kling, adopted this resolution unanimously on January 16, 2007.
“The spirit of their Resolution is as follows:
“Whereas the President of the United States has put forth a plan to the American people and to Congress which calls for an escalation of 20,000 or more of our troops going out to Iraq to combat the insurrection in Baghdad and the Anbar province; and
“Whereas, the majority in Congress has put forth several plans that do not include escalation of combat troops; and
“Whereas, the American people have made it clear they want a new direction in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
“Whereas, the Administration’s multiple attempts to escalate the war by sending additional troops to Iraq have unfortunately, failed to stop the bloodshed between the Sunnis and the Shiites.
“Therefore, the Broward County Veterans Council believes that the best plan is to bring our troops home, in a phased redeployment, so that we may get them out of harms way.
“Veterans groups, along with families across my district, are very concerned about the direction this war has taken and are demanding a change in strategy.
“To President Bush, their message is loud and clear: This war has been mismanaged, and the strategies for success have failed; our national and personal security interests are not being enhanced and in fact, may be undermined. Therefore, they overwhelmingly oppose President Bush’s plan to send more troops to Iraq.
“Traveling through my district, people in South Florida are demanding that Congress ask the tough questions concerning our policy in Iraq.
“Well…we have asked those tough questions and I, along with many of my fellow Members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, have come to the same conclusion: The President’s plan to increase troops in Iraq is wrong.
“This administration has based this plan in part on the readiness of the Iraq security forces to stand up and take control. I have heard nothing from our military experts that would indicate that the Iraqi troops are anywhere near prepared to bring order to this troubled country.
“General Colin Powell recently told the Associated Press: “I am not persuaded that another surge of troops in Baghdad for the purposes of suppressing this communitarian violence, this civil war, will work.”
“And four-star General Barry McCaffrey called the President’s surge plan last month “a fools errand.”
“These are the experts we should be listening to.
“Madame (Mr.) Speaker, I ask you...as a civil war in Iraq spirals out of control, as Iraqi security forces continue to be ill-prepared and as we continue to alienate our allies across the world…What warrants this Administration to continue on the same path in Iraq and add more troops?
“So far, nothing.
“We have no business sending over 21,000 additional troops into the middle of a growing civil war.
“We have no business sending over 21,000 additional troops to Iraq when as it is, our military is already stretched too thin.
“And because our military is already dangerously pushed to the limit, we have put ourselves in a precarious position dealing with real threats like Iran, while at the same time, protecting our allies like Israel and other Middle East countries.
“For these reasons, I am advocating for a plan, devised by our military experts, that supports a phased withdrawl of our troops.
“But while our brave men and women in uniform are serving, it is critical that we provide them nothing less than the best protection and support. We have more than a responsibility to support our troops -- we have a solemn obligation. And that obligation extends to asking the tough questions and getting our policy right.
“In honor of the Broward County Veterans Council and the veterans living in Palm Beach County, in recognition of their heroism and commitment to our country, I support this resolution and would like to officially submit this statement to the Congressional Record. | 
