Our Troops Deserve a Strategy for Success Now

Democrats remain united in our efforts to change course in Iraq and build an Iraq strategy that makes America more secure. We look forward to a substantive discussion with the White House and welcome those Republicans to the debate who are beginning to realize the current path in Iraq is not sustainable. There is no time to waste. Our troops deserve a strategy for success now.

IRAQ
We are hopeful that some Congressional Republicans – including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott and House Minority Leader John Boehner – are beginning to realize that the current path in Iraq is unsustainable, and hope those who have remained silent throughout this debate will begin to put their country ahead of their political party.

We are working to craft legislation that transitions the mission because a military solution is unrealistic without a political, diplomatic and economic strategy. Nothing is off the table.

The President may be content with keeping our troops mired in the middle of an open-ended civil war and spending $8 billion a month in Iraq while problems go unaddressed at home. But the American people are not.

Our troops and the American public are the ones feeling the consequences of a failed strategy in Iraq. Until there is accountability in Iraq, this Administration and the Iraqi government are getting a free pass. That is wrong.

o Terrorist attacks are up across the globe.

o April was one of the deadliest months of the Iraq war and the White House predicts an increase in casualties.

o Our National Guard equipment is in Iraq rather than standing ready to help with disasters here at home.

o Our Air Force’s fleet is wearing out faster because of heavy use in the war.


IMMIGRATION
Senate Democrats are committed to fixing America’s broken immigration system in a tough, fair and practical way.

Instead of offering unworkable proposals, the President should work with Democrats to reach a solution both Republicans and Democrats can support.

We need bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens border security, reunites families, creates tough and smart workplace enforcement, and brings 12 million people out of the shadows of our society.

Undocumented immigrants will have to get in the back of the line and earn their way to legalization.

We believe that our immigration laws should be realistic and reflect our nation’s values. Our immigration system should make us safer while recognizing the enormous contributions that immigrants make to our nation.