As you may have seen in the news, last week Congress debated a resolution regarding America's continued involvement in Iraq. As a Member of Congress I can tell you there is no bigger issue we face as a nation than the issue of war. War affects every American. It demands sacrifices from the men and women in uniform who so bravely risk their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy today, and it affects the families of our military who send their loved ones to fight the battle. It is to these individuals that we owe our eternal gratitude.

I have always believed that honorable men and women can come to very different positions on some of the biggest issues we face as a nation.  While I believe strongly that the War on Terror is one that must be fought and must be won, I understand that others in Congress and across America believe differently.  I looked forward to this debate and genuine discussion of the necessity of fighting terrorism and winning the war in Iraq.

Unfortunately that debate America needed did not happen.  Instead, Congress was faced with a choice to support or oppose a resolution that does absolutely nothing to either win or end the war in Iraq.  For those who sincerely want to leave Iraq before our mission is finished, this debate was a cruel joke.  For those, like myself, who are committed to winning in Iraq, it was an affront.

I was surprised and disappointed that the opponents of our efforts in Iraq would bring a resolution to the floor which condemns an action directed by our Commander in Chief and his military advisors yet which neither forbids that action nor offers an alternative course.  If they don't agree we need a stable Iraq, then what is their alternative?  Criticism is not a policy.  And non-binding resolutions do not constitute leadership.

I am under no illusion that we face an easy road ahead in Iraq.  However, the alternative to showing resolve in Iraq will be disastrous.  As Americans, we must ask ourselves, are we ready for Iraq to collapse into chaos?  Are we ready for what that would mean for the surrounding countries?  Are we ready for extremists who would expand their influence in the Middle East?  Are we really ready to embolden radical terrorists and rogue regimes to expand to new areas in the region and give terrorists a secure base from which to launch attacks against the U.S. and our friends around the world?  The consequences that will occur if we deny our troops the resources they need and force them to depart from Iraq before their mission is complete will be catastrophic for Iraq, for our friends, and, most importantly, for America.

Voters made it clear in November that they want a change, but instead of offering a plan, the new majority offered a resolution that encourages our enemies and demoralizes our men and women who are engaged in combat at this very moment.  In 1864 Abraham Lincoln praised our troops stating, "This extraordinary war in which we are engaged falls heavily upon all classes of people, but most heavily upon the soldier.  For it has been said, all that man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause.  The highest merit, then, is due to the soldier."  This message rings true, especially as we engage upon the greatest challenge our nation has faced in a generation.

Needless to say, I strongly opposed this pointless, non-binding resolution because I believe it is the duty of Congress to support our men and women in uniform.  The war in Iraq may very well define this generation of American history, and as your representative in Congress, I am committed to fight for our military and the security of our nation.

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