Pelosi Statement on President's Latest Iraq Speech

Pelosi Statement on President's Latest Iraq Speech

Washington, D.C. - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in response to President Bush's speech today in Philadelphia on Iraq:

"The President cannot have it both ways. In his speech in Philadelphia today, President Bush noted the contributions that U.S.-imposed benchmarks and milestones have played in Iraq's move toward democracy. He described his refusal to let deadlines slide, and spoke approvingly of the hard work Iraqis were willing to do when they understood that deadlines would not be moved.

"If there are benchmarks and milestones, and they are being met, then why aren't our troops on their way home? The President's contention that setting political milestones in Iraq has led to results makes his refusal to set conditions for bringing American troops home all the more inexplicable. By clinging to his vague ‘as Iraqi forces stand up, U.S. forces will stand down' formulation, President Bush guarantees a long and costly further American military presence in Iraq.

"As Iraqis hold an election this week, it is critical for them to move forward as well on taking more responsibility for their security. Rather than rejecting the idea of benchmarks on security, the President should be seeking to translate political milestones met in Iraq into opportunities for our troops to come home."

http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=1310