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Iraq
Congresswoman Solis voted against the authorization to use force in Iraq
in 2002 and remains seriously concerned about the Bush Administration's handling
of the Iraq conflict. Below is her statement on Iraq:
"I voted against the authorization to use force in Iraq in 2002. The
concerns that led me to oppose the decision to use force remain, and I strongly
disagree with policies that endorse preemptive wars and ignore the need for
broad international support. I am a proud member of the Out of Iraq Caucus
because I believe the United States needs to focus on establishing clear,
specific goals to help establish peace in an Iraq run by Iraqis and bring
our troops home.
"I also feel strongly that the United States must work diligently to
repair our relations with our allies and countries with which we have had
good relations. We must demonstrate a willingness to be a partner in order
to combat global problems, instead of a nation of unilateral actions. We
will need a strong coalition of allies to rebuild Iraq, to continue our war
against terrorism, and to confront the nuclear crisis in North Korea. War
should always be our last option.
"Although I strongly disagree with the policies that led to the war
in Iraq, I stand firmly behind our men and women in uniform. Over 250,000
of our brave men and women in the armed forces are currently serving in the
Middle East. Thousands more are defending us here at home and around the
world. Many of these soldiers hail from our own families and communities
here in East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. I believe our troops
should have the best equipment available to help protect them from the dangers
of war and that active duty and veterans should have access to the best health
care available.
"I join all Americans in praying for our men and women in uniform and
their families during this difficult time, and I look forward to welcoming
them home soon."
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