Walberg Says Congress Must Not Set "Benchmarks for Failure" in Iraq

Statement

WALBERG SAYS CONGRESS MUST NOT SET "BENCHMARKS FOR FAILURE" IN IRAQ

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI7) issued the following statement regarding the Democratic proposal to withdraw American troops from Iraq.

"It is the role of Congress to give authorization and provide oversight of wars. It is not the role of Congress to micromanage the troops on the ground and the conflict in Iraq. These decisions are best made by our military commanders in the field.

"The brave men and women serving overseas desire to come home victoriously and continue to show amazing resolve every day. Congress needs to give our heroes the resources and support needed to complete their mission.

"Any plan establishing benchmarks for failure undermines the efforts of General Petraeus and our troops.

"During these trying times, the American people long for true leadership and determination. Congress needs to put aside political posturing and partisanship and allow the men and women serving in Iraq the opportunity to achieve victory."

BACKGROUND:

- The House Appropriations Committee is currently finalizing a draft of the emergency spending bill in committee, and the Democrats are expected to put language into the plan that would require the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq by Sept. 1, 2008 or earlier.

- Many major newspapers have weighed in on the proposal. Here are two excerpts from recent editorials:

"In short, the Democratic proposal to be taken up this week is an attempt to impose detailed management on a war without regard for the war itself."

Washington Post Editorial, March 13, 2007

"After weeks of internal strife, House Democrats have brought forth their proposal for forcing President Bush to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq by 2008. The plan is an unruly mess: bad public policy, bad precedent and bad politics."

Los Angeles Times Editorial, March 12, 2007

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