Washington, D.C. – Below please find Rep. Heath Shuler’s statement on the President’s
speech this evening.
“In November the American people called for a change in strategy in Iraq.”
“This afternoon I met with White House officials hoping to hear from them a clear plan
and new strategy for victory in Iraq. Tonight, the American people tuned in to President
Bush’s address hoping to hear the same – that we would have a new strategy which
would stabilize Iraq and bring our troops home as quickly and safely as possible. Instead,
we heard a call for escalation and continuation – an escalation of the number of our
troops fighting in Iraq and a continuation of the same failed policies and reckless
optimism.”
“We have watched as the President has sent more and more troops to Iraq, with the same
results. The President has asked us to send more of our brave young men and women into
harm’s away, against the advice of his generals and the Iraq Study Group. Americans
across our nation -- Republican and Democrat -- agree that is unacceptable.”
“I will always stand up for our troops and vote to give them the resources they need. I
will also ensure that our brave men and women are not sent into battle without a clear
mission. That is not the case now. It is time for a truly new strategy in Iraq – one
supported by our military leaders and worthy of the men and women in uniform.”
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Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Statement on President’s Speech
