Jim Webb's statement on the Supplamental...

I worked very hard to try to persuade the Democratic leadership to include clear, restrictive language in this Supplemental. I did not succeed, and was disappointed in many of the provisions that remained. However, we are working under the reality that, on the issue of Iraq, this Senate does not have a Democratic majority. From the outset, we are a minority of 49, given Senator Lieberman's position on the war. This reality dictates our conduct. On the one hand, I find myself unable to vote against a measure that is necessary to fund our troops who are now in harm's way. On the other, I will not relent from my continuing efforts to bring this occupation to an end.

I will continue to press for a strategy of strong diplomatic engagement, which will enable us to end the occupation of Iraq, to increase regional stability, to fight international terrorism more effectively, and to address our broad strategic interests around the world.

My efforts will continue with the Defense Authorization Bill, which will soon be debated on the Senate floor. This week, I introduced a restrictive amendment during the Armed Services Committee's mark-up of that bill. I withdrew the amendment during the mark-up process due to a technical objection, but I intend to offer this amendment on the floor of the Senate when the Defense Authorization bill comes up for debate in the coming weeks.