Wilson Cosponsors Johnson-Cantor Bill to Protect American Troops

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2007

CONTACT: Kim Olive
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 420-9493 (Cell)

Wilson Cosponsors Johnson-Cantor Bill to Protect American Troops

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), member of the House Armed Services Committee, today cosponsored the Johnson-Cantor legislation to oppose the interruption or restriction of funding for American troops in combat zones.

“I am a 31-year veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard, and I have four sons in the military - the oldest of whom served for a year in Iraq. I understand the emotional stress families feel when loved ones are deployed in a theater of war. I also remember the comfort I took in knowing my son had experienced commanders, superior training, and state-of-the-art equipment.

“As Members of Congress with different backgrounds and different constituencies, we may disagree about the best way to proceed in Iraq; however, our troops’ safety should not be a topic for debate. President Bush is our Commander in Chief. He has committed our forces, and it is the responsibility of Congress to ensure these men and women receive the best resources possible for fulfilling their mission.

“Honest discussion regarding the way forward in Iraq is certainly acceptable - in fact, it’s our duty as Americans and elected public servants. Political grandstanding in lieu of offering real solutions, however, is irresponsible and insulting to our men and women in uniform who have put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedoms.

“I appreciate Congressman Johnson and Deputy Whip Cantor’s efforts to protect our soldiers, and I am proud to cosponsor this bill,” Wilson stated.

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