Debate on Iraq Accountability Act Conference Report Part II

April 25, 2007

Tonight, with the rule for debate having passed 226-195, the House will vote on the Iraq Accountability Act reported out of conference committee. The bill is grounded in the realities of the war in Iraq, recognizes the strain that this war is placing on our military, recognizes the urgency to hold the Iraqi government accountable, and honors our commitment to our veterans, instead of the failure to meet those commitments that exists now.

Debate on Iraq Accountability Act Conference Report Part I >>

Speaker Nancy Pelosi:

"This is the seventh emergency appropriations bill the Congress has had to pass to make up for the President's failure. Seven emergencies. What is the surprise? Why aren't they understanding the cost of this war in lives, in health? In reputation, in dollars, and the readiness of our military?"

Rep. David Scott:

"You want to know what this supplemental is about? It's about those sons and daughters, 19 and 20 years old who will never walk again with their legs -- because they've been cut off. You talk about the President wanting to veto this? Let's send it to him. Let him veto it. If he vetoes this bill that's got the money in it for the body armor that he sent troops into the battlefield without, let him veto this. If he vetoes this bill it would be like sending a dagger right in the heart of our soldiers."

Rep. Patrick Murphy:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. This week nine of my fellow paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division were killed in Iraq. Nine more heroes killed, nine more paratroopers returning home in coffins draped in the American flag. Mr. Speaker, Daniel Webster's words are etched in the marble above each of us in this room. And I quote, 'To see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered'..."