American Legion Opposes Democrats Iraq Plan

Via email:

In a statement released earlier today, Paul Morin - National Commander of the 2.7 million-member American Legion - announced support for the President's troop funding request and opposition to Democrats' proposed strategy to tie troop funding to a series of conditions and arbitrary deadlines:

"[The President's] legislative request is focused on the military needs of the Commander-in-Chief, the military leaders and the troops on the ground, and is so important that it deserves to be debated as submitted by the President without any amendments regarding the conduct and prosecution of the Global War on Terrorism, Morin explained."

Morin noted that resources requested by General Petraeus are critical to the success of American troops in harm's way:

"'The men and women of the armed forces in the theater of operation are dependent on this funding to sustain and achieve their military missions,' Morin emphasized. 'This funding is absolutely critical to their success and individual well being.'"

In contrast, the Democrats' "slow-bleed" proposal would gradually choke off resources for American troops in harm's way, leaving them exposed and unable to succeed. What should House Democrats do? The Chicago Tribune outlined the choice for Democrats in an editorial this morning:

"[House Democrats] can press for legislation that is certain not to become law, or they can take the political risk of engaging with the White House on language that could become law. They would be wise to choose the latter. An agreement may be a long shot, but it would be in the best interest of the U.S."

Military commanders on the ground should manage the war effort - not politicians in Washington. Republicans will oppose the Democrats' latest version of the "slow-bleed" strategy and any efforts to undermine our generals on the ground and our troops in harm's way.