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On the Issues

Iraq

America's war in Iraq is now in its fifth year. Since the war began, Minnesota soldiers and airmen, National Guard members and Reservists have continued our state's proud tradition of military service to the nation. Thousands of Minnesotans in uniform have already served in Iraq, and many are still there. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

I have been opposed to this war from the beginning, and I have long advocated a responsible change of course in Iraq, with the redeployment of our combat troops and a policy that requires the Iraqi government to take responsibility for the security and destiny of the country. My own visit to Iraq in March 2007 only cemented my commitment to this change in course. I have supported the bipartisan troop withdrawal plan offered in December 2006 by the Iraq Study Group and I continue to urge the President to embrace this plan. Read more…

Veterans

With America's continued involvement in Iraq, our men and women in uniform and their families have endured challenges that are unprecedented in recent history, including unrelenting operational demands and repeated deployments in combat zones. Some 1.5 million American service men and women have now served in Iraq and Afghanistan. These wars are creating a new generation of veterans who need their country to stand with them.

At his Second Inaugural, President Lincoln reminded the American people that, in war, we must strive "to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan." Today, Americans are again called to bind up our nation's wounds and to care for those who have borne the battle, as well as their families who have shouldered their own sacrifice. We must embrace this solemn obligation by honoring our returning soldiers and their families by giving them the support and care they deserve.

I have always believed that when we ask our young men and women to fight and to die for this nation, we make a promise that we will give them all the resources they need to do their job. And when they return home, we promise to take care of them. As a nation, we have an obligation to wrap our arms around the people who have sacrificed for us. Today, our veterans need us more than ever. Read more…

National Guard & Reserves

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have highlighted the importance of our brave citizen-soldiers in the National Guard and Reserves—and the sacrifices they have been called upon to make. At times, as many as 40 percent of American forces fighting in these wars have been Guard and Reserve soldiers. While no one can question their courage on the battlefield, we must question why the National Guard—which is designed to respond to domestic emergencies—is being asked to play the role of a regular army.

I am committed to policies that recognize and support the elevated position and importance of the National Guard and Reserves to our national security. As a member of the National Guard Caucus in Congress, I am steadfast in my support of Minnesota’s National Guard and our National Guard and Reserve members continue to serve us all proudly both at home and abroad. As a nation and a state, we have an obligation to wrap our arms around those who serve and sacrifice for us. I believe we can do much better, especially for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserves. Read more…