Democrats Aim to "Choke Off" Funding for American Troops on Harm's Way

Via email:

As the Washington Post noted this morning, the plans of House Democrats to "choke off" funding for our men and women in uniform are hardly a mystery:

"The idea is to slowly choke off the war by stopping the deployment of troops..."

The backdrop for this news will be an online press conference held by Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) today where he will outline his strategy for choking off funding for American troops in combat, hamstringing their efforts to succeed in the Global War on Terror. A press release says Murtha's plan "promises to be the Congressional 'bite' following this week's non-binding resolution 'bark'." The Politico described it as a "slow-bleed strategy" designed to hamstring our military's ability to defend America against al Qaeda.

House Democrats too numerous to count have called their non-binding resolution criticizing the new strategy for success in Iraq a "first step." Today Rep. Murtha will unveil the next step: a plan to cut off funding for troops in harm's way by making sure the reinforcements they need to complete their mission in Iraq never arrive.

Yesterday President Bush made clear that Congress must fund America 's troops who are in harm's way:

"Now, I'm going to make it very clear to Members of Congress starting now that they need to fund our troops and they need to make sure we have the flexibility necessary to get the job done."

And Republican Leader John Boehner reinforced House Republicans' commitment to providing our troops the resources necessary to succeed in Iraq:

"House Republicans remain committed to victory in Iraq, and to providing our troops in harm's way with the resources and funding necessary to complete their mission."

The irony today will be thick. As Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) announces his plans to cut off funding for American troops serving in harm's way, Republicans like Rep. Sam Johnson - a distinguished Vietnam War veteran and former POW - will lead a block of time on the House floor for American veterans to explain the demoralizing impact Democrats' political games have on our men and women in uniform.

Let's not forget that there are a few White Flag Republicans out there like Ohio's own Steve LaTourette. The Victory Caucus is watching... Will the Republican leadership be strong enough to enact consequences for these White Flag Republicans? Will the House leadership do as good of a job as the Senate leadership on this issue? The Victory Caucus is watching...