WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after House Democrats announced they would hold yet another politically-motivated vote designed to undermine American troops in harm’s way and undercut the strategy being implemented by General Petraeus to succeed against al Qaeda:“Democrats seem intent on a precipitous withdrawal no matter what the consequences for the safety and security of the American people, the Iraqis, the Middle East , and our coalition partners. Tonight’s announcement is not the product of any constructive deliberation or sound policy development; it is an example of egregious and opportunistic partisanship at the expense of our national security.
“The majority of the American people want us to listen to the generals and hear what they have to say in September. Republicans fought the majority’s efforts to condemn our troops to certain failure before and will continue to oppose any effort that undermines our troops and General Petraeus now. The fact is Democrats have offered no plan for success in Iraq , indeed no plan at all other than to leave the country to radical jihadists like al Qaeda. The American people deserve better, and so do our troops.
“It’s important to remember that the Baghdad Security Plan did not reach its full strength – both in terms of personnel and operational capabilities – until several weeks ago. The interim report will give Americans a snapshot of the new strategy, the progress we’ve made, and the setbacks we’ve encountered. This report, along with the September report and the assessment from Ambassador Crocker and General Petraeus, deserves the full consideration of this Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike. We have given General Petraeus the resources to implement this strategy and it would be irresponsible to act precipitously before he gives his full report in September.”
NOTE: A USA Today/Gallup poll conducted July 6-8 said 55 percent of Americans support the idea that Congress should not develop a new policy on Iraq until September when General Petraeus reports on the progress of the U.S. troop surge in Iraq.
Perhaps this statement ought to be forwarded to the Crying Man, our Senator RINOvich as well...
