Larson Statement on Secretary Powell's Resignation

LARSON STATEMENT ON SECRETARY POWELL'S RESIGNATION

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) today issued the following statement on the resignation of Secretary of State Colin Powell.

"Colin Powell's lifetime of service to the nation both in uniform and as Secretary of State is laudable and I have tremendous respect for his leadership," said Larson. "Given the atmosphere of the Bush administration, where his advice was often ignored, his resignation does not come as a surprise. It was clear that when it came to Iraq and relations with our allies he was one of the few voices of dissent in an administration dominated by neo-conservatives, who he clearly differed from on major policy issues. Yet through the constant disagreements, he always soldiered on for the good of his team. His resignation leaves many of us to wonder who, if anyone, will be the moderate voice in the second Bush administration.

"Secretary Powell has certainly left a strong mark on defense and diplomatic policy in his distinguished career. One of his lasting contributions will be the doctrine he created which mandates that the U.S. only go to war if our national security is threatened and if we do go to war, we use overwhelming force to defeat the enemy. It is unfortunate that the administration he was part of chose to ignore the Powell Doctrine, which should serve as a guide to future administrations.

"I join my colleagues in wishing him well and thanking him for his decades of service."