Congresswoman Matsui Underlines Opposition to the President’s Course in Iraq
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
After listening to the State of the Union, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-05) issued the following statement on her efforts to pressure the President to bring our troops home:
“Despite growing numbers of members of his own party registering their opposition to his proposal to escalate the Iraq war, the President made clear in his State of the Union address last night that he is determined to pursue it. In doing so, he continues to ignore the expertise of his military generals, the independent Iraq Study Group, Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, and the American people. The costs of this mistake will be borne by our men and women in uniform and their families who have already been asked to sacrifice too much.“I strongly oppose the President’s proposed escalation and as a result, I am announcing today that I am signing on as a co-sponsor of two pieces of legislation.“The first is a measure, written by Rep. Martin Meehan (D-MA) to put the House of Representatives clearly on record against the President’s proposed escalation of the conflict. I look forward to voting for this resolution, or a similar resolution, in the coming weeks on the House floor.“The second measure, written by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), would prohibit the use of funds for an increase in troops.“As my constituents know, I do not take lightly the matter of using funding for the troops as a means of pressuring the Administration to change course. However, with the President determined to send even more troops into danger, regardless of the clear opinions of the American people and of Congress, he leaves us with no other options. Concern about the safety of troops who are already in harm’s way is one thing; sending more into harm’s way is quite another altogether.“Troop increases have failed in the past, and this increase promises only to increase the violence while sending the wrong message to the Iraqis. If the President won’t listen it will be up to us in Congress to make him hear.”
