Statement of Congresswoman Napolitano on Iraq War Resolution

(Washington D.C.)- Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk) made the following statements today with regard to the war in Iraq:

“I have always opposed going to war in Iraq, starting with my vote against authorizing the use of force in October of 2002.  There was insufficient information justifying the war then, and we learned later that we were right.  Today’s resolution declares that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror, yet Osama bin Laden remains at large, Al Qaeda offshoots proliferate, and we continue to loose our young men and women in Iraq daily.  We still have safety concerns throughout the United States, in our airports, ports of entry, and our major cities.

“Amidst the ongoing debate, we must pause a moment in honor of those that have given their lives in service to our country.  Already, 2,500 of our brave young men and women have been killed in Iraq, and 19,000 have been wounded.  Their heroic bravery and commitment deserves not only our continued praise and steadfast support, but in addition we must ensure we care for them mentally, physically, and financially as they return to their families and try to rebuild their lives.

“I am deeply disappointed that the Bush administration and Republican leadership have failed to develop and fund plans to comprehensively cover the health care needs of our troops when they return from battle.  Recent studies have shown that 35 percent of returning Iraq veterans have sought mental health services and there has been a 400 percent increase in the number of new enrollees waiting for veterans’ health care.  Our returning men and women in uniform deserve the promised swift, adequate healthcare and continued transition assistance, and it is our solemn duty to fulfill that promise.

“The Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports that Congress has spent an estimated $319 billion in Iraq to date, drastically reducing available funds for critical projects such as hurricane reconstruction, education spending, and prescription drug coverage here at home.  The Iraq reconstruction results are very questionable even with our $2.5 billion invested in their on electricity and sanitation infrastructure.  More than half of Iraqi households lack access to clean water and 85% of the households lack reliable electricity.  Reports by CRS indicate that $8.8 billion given by the U.S. to Iraqi ministries remains unaccounted for, while news agencies have discovered broad corruption schemes wasting billions more within the new Iraqi government.  Meanwhile, here at home we continue to shoulder the growing burden of expenses with cuts to vital local programs.

“I remain firmly and totally supportive of our troops, and as a Member of Congress I will continue to fight on their behalf.  We must move in a new direction in Iraq, enable the Iraqis to take control of their security, and responsibly redeploy and phase out our forces so that they come home.” 

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