SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 21

(By Senators Sprouse, Yoder, Guills, Lanham, Minear, Barnes, McKenzie, Boley, Weeks, Caruth, Harrison, Facemyer, Deem, Dempsey, Foster, Bowman, McCabe, Love and Jenkins)


Expressing support of the United States armed forces in Iraq.

Whereas, Thousands of West Virginians have served in Iraq alongside Iraqi and coalition forces in establishing a democratic government in Iraq; and
Whereas, The success of the United States armed forces in Iraq has led to the removal of Saddam Hussein as dictator, negotiations of an interim constitution, ratification of the Constitution, restoration of full sovereignty, introduction of a sound currency and gradual restoration of neglected infrastructure; and
Whereas, The United States armed forces have enabled Iraqis to welcome foreign capital, tax and commercial laws encouraging private-sector growth and a low-tariff trade regime opening its economy to the world; and
Whereas, Through the valiant effort of the United States armed forces, the Iraqi people have taken major steps in establishing democratic, constitutional order in Iraq and have defied terrorist threats by voting for the leaders of their country; and
Whereas, Under the leadership of President George W. Bush and Congress, the United States armed forces is making steady progress in fighting terrorists, meeting political milestones, building democratic institutions and bringing freedom to a troubled, oppressed region; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby expresses support of the United States armed forces in Iraq; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and honors the tremendous sacrifice made by West Virginians and other members of the United States armed forces and their families, along with members of the Iraqi and coalition forces and the Iraqi people; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Department of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives and West Virginia's congressional delegation.