No fewer than five Democratic Senators are running for the presidency. These presidential candidates seem to be the subject of numerous mainstream media stories every week and they along with their official and unofficial campaign operatives make nearly nightly appearances on cable news shows where they continue to brag of their opposition to victory in Iraq .

Last week the Democraticcontrolled United States Senate attempted to debate various non-binding resolutions about the Iraq war. As a House Member and an American citizen, I must admit I found it interesting to hear many of these Senators say voting on a nonbinding resolution would show the American people where they stood on the war. Their leadership of both the House and Senate has made it very clear where they stand on the war -- they are opposed to winning the war, claim they were tricked into supporting it and will do anything in their power to cut off all funding to the war.

I encourage the majority to put forth a bill that eliminates all funding for the Iraq war along with an accompanying statement of non-support for the deployed troops. This would show their true colors and allow them to be intellectually honest. This would also stand in stark contrast to their current tactic of voting to confirm General David Patraeus, wishing him luck and then moving to undercut his efforts soon after he left the Capitol to begin his journey to Iraq .

More importantly, we need to achieve real progress in Iraq . We have come to a critical juncture in Iraq and must make sure the price that has been paid -- the blood of our young men and women -- results in victory. To ensure a real and enduring victory, our Commander-in-Chief is moving forward with a new plan. Some in Congress and the media are debating whether it is a new strategy, a new set of tactics or no change at all. This political posturing is unimportant to the Specialist or Corporal walking point in Baghdad or Al- Anbar province.

What is important are the President's words and his actions. He has ordered more combat forces to Iraq and has extended the tours of some forces already in country. Their mission is to restore order to the 4 provinces in Iraq that remain volatile. Let's be perfectly clear, 14 of the 18 provinces are secure. These additional forces will help restore overall order and provide a stable environment for the political process within to work.

To date, mistakes have been made and the President has acknowledged them. We must, however, win this war. I believe immediate withdrawal will destabilize the region and cause us to return there in the future, as we have had to do in many regions throughout our history. We cannot fight a war based on polls and emotions. We must take actions that will preserve and enhance our national security now and beyond the next election.

The House Armed Services Committee has already had several hearings in 2007 and I have been, and intend to continue, asking tough questions of senior military and civilian officials. Please be assured that I will continue to pay close attention to this issue and keep you updated as I gain additional information.