WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) highlighted the efforts of House Republicans today after they forced a vote on a measure affirming the House’s support for General David Petraeus and condemning the slanderous attack on the General by MoveOn.org which appeared in the New York Times. Democratic leaders had previously refused to allow a floor vote on the measure, which passed by a bipartisan vote of 341-79. Boehner issued the following statement:Let's see how this one turns out...
“Because the leaders of the current majority had refused to allow a vote on this important resolution, House Republicans took action to force an up-or-down vote today. General Petraeus and the men and women of our armed forces deserve our strongest support, and while the measure passed with significant bipartisan support, it is troubling that so many Democrats still voted to condone this attack defaming the General. Every member of this Congress should stand firmly behind our troops and commanders in the field, who are putting their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect our freedom. The despicable attack ad run by MoveOn.org in the New York Times against General Petraeus deserves to be condemned by all members of this House.
NOTE: House GOP leaders have asked Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) to schedule a vote on the resolution (H.Res. 644) authored by Boehner to condemn the ad, but they had refused. The Senate passed a similar resolution last week. Just last Thursday, Leader Hoyer told Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) asked that “I don’t having any intent at this point in time to bring up that resolution.” Today House Republicans forced an up-or-down vote on the House floor by offering a motion-to-recommit to the Continuing Resolution.
The text of the motion-to-recommit resolution follows:
Motion To Recommit
House Joint Resolution 52
Mr. LEWIS moves to recommit House Joint Resolution 52 to the Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment:
At the end of the joint resolution, insert the following new section:
Sec. 150. (a) Congress makes the following findings:
(1) General David H. Petraeus was confirmed by a unanimous vote of 81-0 in the Senate on January 26, 2007, to be the Commander of the Multi-National Forces-- Iraq ;
(2) General David H. Petraeus assumed command of the Multi-National Forces-- Iraq on February 10, 2007;
(3) General David H. Petraeus previously served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Commander of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-- Iraq , as the Commander of the NATO Training Mission-- Iraq , and as Commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during the first year of combat operations in Iraq ;
(4) General David H. Petraeus has received numerous awards and distinctions during his career, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Defense Superior Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the State Department Superior Honor Award, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, and the Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm; and
(5) The leadership of the majority party in both the House of Representatives and the Senate implored the American people and Members of Congress early in January 2007 to listen to the generals on the ground.
(b) It is the Sense of the Congress that the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the service of General David H. Petraeus, as well as all other members of the Armed Forces serving in good standing, in the defense of the United States and the personal sacrifices made by General Petraeus and his family, and other members of the Armed Forces and their families, to serve with distinction and honor;
(2) commits to judge the merits of the sworn testimony of General David H. Petraeus without prejudice or personal bias, including refraining from unwarranted personal attacks;
(3) condemns in the strongest possible terms the personal attacks made by the advocacy group MoveOn.org impugning the integrity and professionalism of General David H. Petraeus;
(4) honors all members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel serving in harm's way, as well as their families; and
(5) pledges to debate any supplemental funding request or any policy decisions regarding the war in Iraq with the solemn respect and the commitment to intellectual integrity that the sacrifices of these members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel deserve.
UPDATE: If I am not mistaken, this is the roll call vote on this one. 341 Congressmen condemned MoveOn.org today... Of the 79 who didn't, I find Dennis Kucinich, Stephanie Tubbs-Jones and Tim Ryan...all Democrats from Ohio. Zach Space got one right for a change...I guess he's just solidifying his "Bush Dog" cred...
