The first and most important point of news I have is that I got to sit on the floor of the United States House of Representatives as the debate over the non-binding resolution to oppose President Bush’s plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq. John Boehner was the second to last Republican congressman to speak, hence the reason my fellow intern and I made our way to the Leadership Office in the Capitol and from there were ushered into seats on the floor.
As Tim and I sat just yards away from the United States Flag, John Boehner himself walked past and gave us the thumbs up. Words cannot explain the awe I felt sitting in a piece of history. The Congressman was eloquent, passionate, and fluid in his speech. At the end of the day, I was proud to have him represent my home district on the floor of the House.
Directly following Hon. Boehner was Congressman Samuel Johnson from Texas’s Third Congressional District. The Hon. Johnson told his story of woe and pain as a fighter pilot first and then as a POW in Vietnam. His story touched many on the floor today, and he invoked a 5 minute long standing ovation in which Republicans and Democrats alike took part.
Following a final speaker on the Democrat’s side, voting began. It was very interesting to see the many congressmen walk around asking each other who turned on the party. At the close of the voting, a congressman standing near me asked what the count of turn-coats was for both sides, and upon hearing that 2 Democrats voted against the resolution and 17 Republicans voted for it, said, “that’s a victory.†I was taken aback to hear that loosing 17 members of one’s party was a victory, but as I think about it, so many congressmen have angry constituents that voting their own conscience in support of President Bush’s plan is a large victory for the Republicans in the House.
Even though the resolution passed, it will still take a lot of maneuvering on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s part to withdraw completely from Iraq. I still hold hope that we will keep the Iraqi boarders secure and the country stable enough to finally instill real democracy in the Middle East. Only time will tell though.
- Free Speech Pressed--article by Michael O'Brien and Adam Paul - January 31st, 2008
- Americans for Prosperity sponsors Summit in WI - January 27th, 2008
- Easter booze ban in Venezuela - April 5th, 2007
- Speakers are to be seen and not to negotiate - April 4th, 2007
- From the Hill - April 4th, 2007
Did anyone speak of victory in Iraq?? That is what is missing… To me its easy… those who don’t support the president doesn’t support victory. They’d rather cut and run in defeat. Victory is a stable and secure Iraq putting us in a very good position against Iran and Syria.
seriously, use a spell check before post a blog. you’re “loosing” my attention
I agree with Bob. I’ve said it before – yall are America’s elite. Please spell like it.
Losing 17 Republicans in the final tally is definitely a victory, given, as you noted, the public’s loss of patience for the war. 17 also is considerably less than the 30-60 defections forecasted by the media.
Really? The media predicted 30-60 defections? Where?
“One Republican lawmaker close to the leadership, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said GOP leaders have 50 to 60 Republicans on their watch list, with between 40 and 60 expected to break with the White House tomorrow.”
Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....01576.html