Congressman Johnson Urges Greater Protection of US Troops in Iraq

CONGRESSMAN JOHNSON URGES GREATER PROTECTION OF U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ

Following hearings and sworn testimony by military leaders, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today introduced House Resolution 140 urging the Secretary of Defense to remove U.S. Armed Forces from street patrol duty in Iraq within six months.

"The conflict in Iraq has become a civil war that exposes our troops to constant attack by insurgents. Sadly, it is estimated that 60 percent of Iraqis support these attacks," said Johnson. "After four years, It is time for Iraqi troops -- which have been trained, to assume responsibility for patrolling their own streets. Clearly, deploying our troops this way has only escalated the number of U.S. casualties and this must stop."

According to Rep. Johnson, U.S. Armed Forces would be more effective fortifying sensitive areas in Iraq, providing protective services to the Iraqi Government, and responding to emergencies throughout the country. The Resolution does allow U.S. personnel to continue training Iraqi troops as they patrol.

"There is no military solution for the civil war in Iraq," explained Johnson.

Congressman Johnson represents Georgia's 4th Congressional District, which includes DeKalb and parts of Rockdale and Gwinnett counties. In unusual move, Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed him to three U.S. House Committees, including the Small Business Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the House Armed Services Committee.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ga04_johnson/2007_02_08_iraq_resolution.html