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Five years ago, without accurate intelligence information or a plan to stabilize Iraq after an invasion, President Bush sent our brave men and women to war in Iraq. In 2002, I parted with most of my colleagues in Congress and voted against giving the President the authority to invade Iraq.
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I have worked ever since to end a policy that is overstretching our military; costing us $10-$12 billion per month; diverting resources from the War Against Terrorism, especially the struggle against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan; and distracting us from addressing urgent priorities here at home. I believe the United States must increase its efforts to engage the international community in training Iraqi security forces and governmental officials, addressing the Iraqi humanitarian crisis, and negotiating the political accommodations necessary to achieve long-term stability in Iraq.
As a member of the U.S. Senate and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will continue to work for a new direction and new priorities in Iraq. Our troops deserve a new mission that removes them from the midst of a civil war and hastens their safe and honorable return home. The American public has been asking for a new direction and Congress has a responsibility to act. I support a comprehensive foreign policy in the region that better protects America's national security and restores our standing in the world, while bringing our troops home from Iraq.
- I voted to begin a safe, phased re-deployment from Iraq.
- I voted to change our mission in Iraq from providing security and services to a focus on training, counter-terrorism and force protection.
- I support funding for our troops so they have the best possible training, equipment, protection and benefits available - all of the resources they need to carry out their mission safely and effectively.
- I supported the Wounded Warrior Act to ensure troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have access to the highest quality military health care facilities, significantly enhanced treatment of mental health conditions -- including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and a more seamless transition from active duty to the Veterans Administration.
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