Washblog

Thank you for contacting me regarding the war in Iraq.  I appreciate hearing
from you. I apologize for the delay.

As you may know, I voted against authorizing the war in Iraq more than four
years ago. In October of 2002, I believed that there were too many unanswered
questions about the Bush Administration's approach and its inadequate planning
for the war.  At the time, I asked many questions such as: What is the mission?
What happens after our troops deploy? What other nations are with us? What are
the costs of this war? How will it affect the Global War on Terror?

Because the Bush Administration could not provide clear answers to my questions,
I could not support its request to authorize the war.  At that time, I made it
clear that if American troops were called to fight, I would support them; not
only during the conflict but afterward as well.

Since then, I have visited our troops on the ground in Baghdad, pushed the
Department of Defense to make sure our service members have the life-saving
equipment they need, and met with the families of those who have been deployed.
I have also fought to provide funding for veterans who need health care benefits
and transition assistance.  

No discussion on Iraq can begin without first recognizing our men and women in
uniform.  They are our best, our brightest, and our bravest.  They have answered
the call of this country; they have earned our respect and it is our duty to
provide those who fight for us the services and medical care they need.  They
deserve nothing less. Supporting our troops means giving them a clear mission,
making sure they have the equipment and support they need while deployed, and
making sure we have a clear endgame. It also means providing the services they
need when they arrive back home.  

I know that many Americans are frustrated that our troops are now in the middle
of a civil war.  I am frustrated too.  In fact, since the start of combat
operations in March 2003, I have been frustrated that Congress has been denied a
chance to hold hearings, to hold those in charge accountable, and to give the
American people a voice in a war that is costing us terribly.  Now that Congress
is under new leadership we finally have that opportunity, and Congress is using
the oversight process aggressively to get the facts to help our country move
forward.

The American people have spoken out and want a new direction in Iraq.  And yet
President Bush has ignored that reality and wants to send more American troops
into combat. I am strongly opposed to the President's surge in Iraq.

In the Senate, many resolutions have been introduced to address the President's
plan to escalate this war.  I am carefully reviewing all of them.  I believe the
Senate needs to pass a clear bi-partisan resolution that puts us on record
opposing the surge such as S. Con Res. 2, the resolution proposed by Senator
Biden (D-DE) which I co-sponsored. That is the first step in changing our
direction in Iraq.  Rest assured that if this effort fails to change the
President's approach, I will use the other tools at my disposal to continue
pushing until we have a new direction in Iraq.

Unfortunately, Republicans have blocked efforts to have a real debate in the
Senate.  Republican Leadership used procedural maneuvers to obstruct the Senate
from taking up and debating the numerous resolutions on the surge and the war in
Iraq. This politically motivated action has denied our citizens their voice in
the Senate and prevented a long over due debate on the war. Whether those we
represent are opposed to or support the President's plan the American people
deserve an open debate on this issue.  

I believe the path forward in Iraq should include at least three steps: a
strategic redeployment of troops, the Iraqi government taking ownership of their
own country, and the U.S. engaging in diplomatic outreach to Iraq's neighboring
countries and other countries in the region.

On an issue as important as the war in Iraq, there are many other thoughts and
concerns I would like to share with you that I am unable to fit into this
response.  On February 6th I spoke at length on the Senate floor and shared
additional ideas about the costs of this war and the best ways to move forward.
I would like to invite you to watch my remarks at
rtsp://video.webcastcenter.com/srs_g2/murray020607.rm.  Or read the full
transcript at http://murray.senate....

Thank you again for taking the time to express your thoughts about our troops,
and the situation in Iraq.  As we move forward in the 110th Congress, please
know that I will continue to keep your thoughts in mind as Congress deals with
this issue.  Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if you should
have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Sincerely,

Patty Murray
United States Senator

P.S. I'd like to invite you to receive Patty Murray's Washington View, my weekly
legislative update by e-mail.  If you are interested in receiving my update,
please sign up here: http://murray.senate...