Costa backs Iraq resolution, calls for bipartisan Congressional evaluation of Middle East m

Statement of Congressman Jim Costa(CA20)

WASHINGTON, D.C.-"Today I voted for the Iraqresolution that has been debated on the floor of the House of Representativesthis week.

"My vote was cast in support of American men and women inuniform who are fighting the War on Terrorism. The last three years have been frustrating for a majority of Americansbased upon the goals that were represented to us both before and after SaddamHussein was toppled. Weapons of massdestruction, the escalating cost and duration of the war are examples of issuesthat have not turned out as the Administration has claimed. Clearly, mistakes have been made but therehas been a consistent lack of effort to acknowledge and correct those errors bythe President. He must offer a new planon how we are going to win this war and not simply more of the same.

"I believe that we must support the men and women of America's armedforces who are doing the hard work in harm's way. Further, the U.S. government has a moral andlegal obligation to protect American citizens and the people of the free worldin the War on Terrorism, but we cannot do it alone. That fight against terrorism could last aslong as the Cold War, which began following World War II and lasted into thelate l980s.

"The debate in the House on the Iraq resolution has beenfrustrating because, by and large, it was not a discussion or debate, justhours of partisan speeches.

"Congress must undertake a bipartisan evaluation of America'sinvolvement in fighting the War on Terrorism. Congress needs to take a long open look at what has gone right and wrongover the last three years in Middle East. America has seen 2500 militarypersonnel lost; nearly 20,000 wounded and spent almost $370 billion oftaxpayer's money. The justification forthis expenditure of the lives of America's best and brightest andthe vast sums of money have been varied and inconsistent. Congress has an obligation to practiceserious oversight on a matter of the highest importance to the American people. In my opinion ten hours of talk, withoutcommittee oversight, does not begin to touch the surface. Congress must do better; the American publicdeserves more.

"In order to succeed in Iraqand Afghanistan,I believe the links between military action in those countries and the War onTerrorism must be clearly established. All we've seen in the hours of talk over the Iraqresolution has been sloganeering; to the extent that the ‘debate' does adisservice to America'smilitary personnel who are putting their lives on the line and Americantaxpayers who are funding this effort.

"Congress should practice real oversight instead ofsupporting errors in leadership. Thechecks and balances in our system are missing in action."

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