Holt Supports Iraq Accountability Act

Holt Supports Iraq Accountability Act

Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today released the following statement on the Iraq Accountability Act, legislation to provide emergency supplemental appropriations to troops in Iraq, mandate benchmarks for success, and establish a timeline for withdrawal of American troops:

"The war in Iraq has been a tragic misadventure that has resulted in the loss of thousands of American and Iraqi lives, hundreds of billions of dollars, and respect for America abroad, and our military presence is making neither Americans nor Iraqis safer. I voted against the war in Iraq and I have been urging withdrawal of American forces for almost two years. The American troops are heroes and have performed admirably - I join every member in commending their brave and patriotic service. Tragically, they have been placed in an impossible situation in the middle of a civil war.

"Congress has been forced by the Bush Administration's ignorance, miscalculations, obstinacy, and failure to lead, to seek a responsible path for ending the war.

"As President Bush continues to exhort us to "stay the course" and sends more and more troops to Iraq, this bill begins the process of withdrawing our troops and making America more secure. I am pleased that this is the first spending bill that mandates benchmarks for success and a timeline for withdrawal, and that it also provides funds for veterans' healthcare, troop readiness, and homeland security. Congress will need to remain vigilant and forceful in overseeing President Bush's conduct of the war, and further action will be necessary to ensure that he adheres to the directions of this bill. I will work to see that the withdrawal proceeds as rapidly as possible, and as soon as we force the President's hand and change his mind, we can even exceed the timelines prescribed in the bill. I support this supplemental appropriations bill because it is the best way to end the war quickly and responsibly.

"I commend Nancy Pelosi, Chairman Obey, and Chairman Murtha for their passionate and responsible leadership in beginning the process of bringing the war in Iraq to an end.

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