Victory in Iraq Caucus Members Rebuke Plan to Undercut War Effort

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2007

CONTACT: Kim Olive
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Victory in Iraq Caucus Members Rebuke Plan to Undercut War Effort

Victory in Iraq Caucus Members today responded to Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha’s reported plan to “fence money” for the war effort.

As reported by CQ Today: “Murthaàsaid he is considering a recommendation to the full committee that it redirect the money to equipment instead of additional troops for the surge. ’We’re going to fence money if we have to,’ Murtha said.”

“Members of Congress certainly have a responsibility to debate war policy. Tying the Pentagon’s hands in the middle of battle, however, is not a viable strategy.

“President Bush is Commander-in-Chief. He has indicated his intention to move forward with troop reinforcements in an effort to stabilize Baghdad. Refusing to fund this mission not only undermines U.S. national security but also endangers our men and women on the battlefield. This approach will cut funding for troops on the ground, as the reinforcements will be in place by the time the supplemental is enacted.

“Should Congressman Murtha make such a recommendation, we urge the House Democratic leadership to dismiss it outright.”

The above statement was released by Reps. Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), John Carter (R-TX-31), Jeff Miller (R-FL-01), Phil Gingrey (R-GA-11), Sam Graves (R-MO-06), Mike Conaway (R-TX-11), Steve King (R-IA-05), Gresham Barrett (R-SC-03) and Sam Johnson (R-TX-03).

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