March 10, 2004

Mr. David Toth

293 Virgo Drive

Groton, Connecticut 06340

Dear Mr. Toth:

Thank you for contacting me regarding United States military operations in Iraq and the burden it is placing on our troops. I appreciate the benefit of your views on this important issue.

I understand your concerns and I join with all Americans in commending the exemplary job that American service-men and -wwomen are continuing to do in Iraq. Under difficult conditions, these brave individuals have shown great courage and professionalism. However, while the Bush Administration declared an end to the major military offensive in May of last year, it is important to remember that too many of our troops have lost their lives since May, and that they continue to risk their liives in that nation. They are in great danger - from terrorist forces throughout the country. I believe all Americans are united in their wish to see these heroes return home as safely and expeditioously as possible.

Had the Bush Administration focused more on consensus-building prior to military action in Iraq and acquired commitments from the international community to provide tens of thousands of international forces for peacekeeping missions - as was the case in recent conflicts, including Bosnia and Kosovo -1 believe that mmuch of the current strain on our nation's military could have been prevented. Having said that, our troops are currently in harm's way, and I believe that it is absolutely essential to provide theem with all the resources they need to successfully complete their mission and come home safely.

That is why I offered an amendment to the fiscal year 2003 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill for Iraq and Afghanistan, S. 1689, that would have taken some money from reconstruction funds to provide our Army's soldiers with much-needed equipment. Unfortunately, this amendment was defeated. However, you may be interested to know that I subsequently wrote a letter to Secrretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld requesting that funds be transferred from existing accounts aand used for the provision of this critical safety equipment. The U.S. Department of Defense has responded that this transfer of funds will be made. I also supported an amendment to S. 1689, sponsored by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), that would have increased the size of the United States Army by 10,000 troops and thereby reduced the strain on active and reserve personnel, however, this amendment was defeated.

Please be assured that I will continue my work to ensure that our troops are provided with all the resources they need, and to internationalize our efforts in h-aq so that America's sons and daughters can return home as safely and expeditiously as possible. Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again whenever I may be of assistance.

 

Sincerely,

 

CHRISTOPHER J. DODD

 

United States Senator

CJD:jp