Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-05) issued the following statement after voting to reject the President’s war funding as part of debate on H.R. 2206, which provides emergency war funding for the fiscal year 2007:
“Sadly, the President has rejected every opportunity this Congress has presented to bring the war to a close and bring the troops home responsibly.
“Time and again, my Democratic colleagues and I have demanded a change of direction from the President. Time and again, he rejects the opinion of the overwhelming majority of the American people that we must support our troops and institute a timetable for redeployment from Iraq.
“I have opposed this war from the beginning. I support a responsible timetable for redeployment from Iraq, and have been proud to vote that way several times under Democratic leadership.
“Regrettably, the President’s intransigence has left members little choice. I could not in good conscience vote to continue this strings-free approach to our policies in Iraq.
“Nonetheless, our commitment to our men and women in uniform remains strong. I was pleased to vote with a bipartisan bloc of members to increase veterans’ health care funding by several billion dollars. That necessary funding will go to good use right away to assist our many veterans as they seek care after dedicated service to their nation.
“Finally, I commend the Democratic leadership for move the process forward so that our men and women will continue to have everything they require in the field. I look forward to working with the Democratic leadership and willing colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue the pressure on the President.
“The process to change U.S. policy in Iraq continues.”
