Today, Congressman Walz released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of H.Res.292:
"I spend a good deal of my time traveling around southern Minnesota meeting with veterans. Many of them are combat veterans of every generation and they often share with me the profound impact that experience had on their lives and the lives of their families. That is why I believe one of my most solemn obligations as a Member of Congress is to provide the oversight necessary to ensure our soldiers have a clear mission and their involvement in any conflict overseas makes sense. I firmly believe President Obama has the best interests of our soldiers and our national security at heart. But I also believe in order for Congress to fulfill our constitutionally mandated role and provide oversight, we need more information. I hope in the days and months ahead, the President will communicate his rationale and strategy more clearly and with greater frequency.
I was frustrated when Republicans discouraged Members of Congress, and Americans in general, from questioning President Bush's strategy in Iraq. That's why I believe every President, regardless of political party, should be held accountable on the most important decision we will ever make as a nation and that's why I voted in favor of H.Res.292."