Iraq Supplemental: The Days of Blank Checks Are Over

Friday, for the first time since this war began, the people’s representatives were afforded the opportunity to change America’s course and empower the Iraqis to take control of their own destiny — and that is precisely what we did.

This groundbreaking legislation fully funds our troops, ensures that they will be properly trained and equipped, and provides General Petraeus and our other commanders on the ground the leverage they will need to ready the Iraqis for the responsibility they must ultimately assume.

And by crafting a responsible strategy for the phased redeployment of our troops, the Congress has taken an important first step toward refocusing our resources in the War on Terrorism and fighting and defeating al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

I believe that Congress has sent a powerful message that the days of blank checks and rubber stamps are over.  Rather than roll over for the President, this Congress is prepared to ensure Washington responds to the people’s call for a new direction in Iraq.