Lessons from Iraq

Fourteen years ago today, the United States invaded Iraq – launching a war that has no end in sight.

The human toll of the Iraq War is a tragic reminder of why promoting peace is so critical. More than ever, we must learn the lessons of history and renew our commitment to ending and preventing military conflict around the world. Too many lives have been cut short by unnecessary wars, and we owe it to them to find a better way.

This commitment to building a more just and peaceful world drives much of my work in Congress. In recent months, I’ve joined an international human rights delegation in El Salvador, traveled to Cuba to promote educational and economic exchanges, pressed for a continuation of sanctions against the genocidal government in Sudan, and urged Congress and the Administration to provide support for the implementation of the peace process in Colombia.

And I’ve demanded that Congress debate and vote on whether to continue our military operations in Syria. We should never put our uniformed men and women in harm’s way without approval from Congress.

Promoting peace requires us to reach out to both our allies and those countries we have tense relationships with and requires Congress to carry out its responsibilities. Together, we can reduce the need for military conflict – and save lives.

I fought against George W. Bush’s war in Iraq, and I’d do the same today. With your support, I’ll keep up our efforts to promote understanding and peace around the globe.

Jim