As we witness our U.S. and coalition troops serving with bravery and resolve in their mission to disarm Iraq, we can have great confidence in their ability to get the job done. They are focused on the mission at hand. They have the advantage of precision weapons, and we have seen their ability to select and hit targets. Their commanders have planned and executed an aggressive strategy in the air and on the ground.
Here at home, we need a strong showing of support for our troops and their families. Many in Kentucky have loved ones serving our nation in Iraq, especially with the deployments from Fort Knox and Fort Campbell. As our men and women in uniform fight in order to improve security in the world, their anxious and proud family members keep faith and await their safe return.
In Congress, we overwhelmingly passed a resolution in appreciation of the sacrifice made by our troops and their families and efforts to complete their mission. This military effort to provide for future security has not come without loss of life. We pray for those who have been lost, for their families and for our troops' safety.
Our resolution also commends the troops' commander in chief, President Bush. The decision to commit to military action is the gravest decision a president has to make because of the lives this choice puts on the line. President Bush made this decision after exhausting diplomatic efforts and weighing the future risks to our nation if we failed to disarm Iraq. No one wants war or loss of life, but we do want long-term peace and security. President Bush swore to protect and defend the United States. He has taken this responsibility seriously, and our country can be proud of his leadership.
We will be successful in disarming Saddam Hussein of his weapons of mass destruction, no matter how long it takes. We will eliminate the threat he poses to our country and to our allies. He has had countless opportunities to comply with the United Nations and has failed his country by not disarming. The Iraqi people are more than ready for liberation from Saddam.
Our country has not been alone in this effort. Nations around the world have also supported the cause. Others have failed to lead, but we will welcome their support in helping ensure a stable and safe Iraq, where people are free from this dictator. A liberated Iraq with a leader who no longer threatens peace and security is a goal all nations can agree on. The United States is providing the military means to that goal, and our country and the Congress have the highest support and appreciation for our troops.
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