Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

House votes to reject withdrawal resolution
WorldNetDaily ^ | November 18, 2005 | WND

Posted on 11/19/2005 9:28:52 AM PST by andyk

Following three hours of intense debate, the House voted this evening 403-3 to reject a non-binding resolution to immediately withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.

Responding to a call yesterday by Democratic Rep. Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania to withdraw troops from Iraq, House Republicans had scheduled a quick vote this evening to settle the issue and put lawmakers on the record.

The Republican alternative read: "It is the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately." It was proposed by Rep. Duncan Hunter of California.

Democrats accused Republicans of changing the meaning of Murtha's proposal. The Democrat hawk has said a smooth withdrawal would take six months.

House GOP leaders expected a swift rejection and that, indeed did occur.

Democrats argued the vote was a political stunt but rallied to vote against it to diminish its significance.

"A disgrace," declared House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. "The rankest of politics and the absence of any sense of shame," said Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 House Democrat.

"We want to make sure that we support our troops that are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. prior to the vote. "We will not retreat."

During the House session late this afternoon, Democrats erupted in anger when Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt of Ohio quoted Ohio state Rep. Danny Bubp, a Marine Corps Reserve officer.

"He asked me to send Congress a message 'Stay the course,'" she said, "he also asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message, that 'Cowards cut and run. Marines never do.'"

The Republicans' move came shortly after Democratic Rep. Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania, a Vietnam veteran with 30 years in Congress who voted to authorize the war in Iraq, called for a pullout of the nearly 160,000 troops.

Murtha had proposed a resolution that would force the president to withdraw the troops "at the earliest predictable date."

"Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency," Murtha said. "They are united against U.S. forces and we have become a catalyst for violence. The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion."

Media reports have characterized Murtha's position on the war as a fresh turnabout after decades as a "hawk." But in September 2003, just six months after the war began, the New York Times reported Murtha called on Bush to fire Iraq aides, saying he had been misled into voting for the war.

Last year, he joined Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in making public his previously private statements that the conflict is "unwinnable."

Murtha also endorsed stridently anti-war Gov. Howard Dean for chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Earlier this week, the Senate defeated a Democratic proposal for Bush to set a timetable for withdrawal. But the chamber later approved a statement that conditions should be created in the next year for a phased withdrawal.

A U.S. field commander in Iraq, Col. James Brown, has responded to Murtha, arguing, "Here on the ground, our job is not done."

"We have to finish the job that we began here. It's important for the security of this nation," said Brown, commander of the 56th Brigade Combat Team.

Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Texas, a prisoner of war in Vietnam, called Murtha's position unconscionable and irresponsible.

"We've got to support our troops to the hilt and see this mission through," said Johnson, who served in the Air Force 29 years.

Stephen Hadley, Bush's national security adviser, said: "On this issue, the president believes [Murtha is] wrong."

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, declared in a Fox News interview: "We cannot unilaterally cut and run."

"We must come together with the Iraqi people, make sure they're secure, make sure their government is ongoing," she said. "They have made huge progress. The idea that we would set a timetable would put our troops in jeopardy there – it would make them an even bigger target for insurgents."

Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts responded to heavy Republican criticism of Murtha, without defending his stance.

"I won't stand for the swift-boating of Jack Murtha," said Kerry, referring to the group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth that challenged his war record during the 2004 presidential campaign.

"There is no sterner stuff than the backbone and courage that defines Jack Murtha's character and conscience," the senator said.

Murtha, who has a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, served 37 years in the Marine Corps, retiring as a colonel in 1990. He's the top Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.

Kerry wants a phased withdrawal from Iraq, beginning with the exit of 20,000 troops after the country's December elections.


TOPICS: Government
KEYWORDS: 109th; murtha
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-22 next last
"A disgrace," declared House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Your triteness never disappoints, Nancy.
1 posted on 11/19/2005 9:28:52 AM PST by andyk
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: andyk
"A disgrace," declared House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Very good Nanc. The first step on the road to recovery is to recognize that you have a problem.
2 posted on 11/19/2005 9:35:57 AM PST by Mulch (tm)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: andyk

6 months is immediate withdrawal. Obviously the Democrats have never broken camp.


3 posted on 11/19/2005 9:38:40 AM PST by Bernard (You can either deal with your situation or be a liberal about it.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: andyk

She's a disgrace.


4 posted on 11/19/2005 9:39:14 AM PST by hsalaw
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: andyk
A disgrace, huh? How did you vote Ms Pelosi?

NAY.

Hmmm...I supposed you were tricked into it, poor thing.

/ironic sarcasm

5 posted on 11/19/2005 9:43:41 AM PST by SquirrelKing (I'm not mean, you're just a sissy.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: andyk

How did Murtha vote on the Republican resolurion? Was he one of the 3?


6 posted on 11/19/2005 9:47:47 AM PST by stevem
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: andyk
"Cowards cut and run. Marines never do.'"

Perfect...lets call them the 'Cut and Run Democrats'

7 posted on 11/19/2005 9:49:28 AM PST by Voltage
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SquirrelKing

Waaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!! It was that "Butterfly" button on the desk.....it confused me....

Go home and stay there....you are a disgrace and an embarassment to our country. You can't spell LEADERSHIP or INTEGRITY.

8 posted on 11/19/2005 9:54:11 AM PST by Colonial Warrior (You can't tell how good a man or a watermelon is 'til they get thumped. Character shows when tested)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: anyone

Great Article and Post! Thanks.

here too:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1525096/posts


9 posted on 11/19/2005 10:04:12 AM PST by AirBorn
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: andyk

Looks like the GOP called the DemonRats' bluff.



""A disgrace," declared House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. "The rankest of politics and the absence of any sense of shame," said Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 House"

Pay attention Nancy & Steny:

"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." Prov. 3:7

"He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding."
Prov. 17:28

"A fool's lips bring strife and his mouth invites a flogging." Prov. 18:6


10 posted on 11/19/2005 10:04:15 AM PST by Fruit of the Spirit
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SquirrelKing
Hmmm...I supposed you were tricked into it, poor thing.

She was obviously given incorrect "intelligence' BEFORE the vote. Har.

11 posted on 11/19/2005 10:05:48 AM PST by Howlin ("Victory is not an exit strategy." ``Jack Murtha 11/18/05)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Fruit of the Spirit
"The rankest of politics and the absence of any sense of shame," said Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 House"

Oh, the irony.

12 posted on 11/19/2005 10:07:04 AM PST by Howlin ("Victory is not an exit strategy." ``Jack Murtha 11/18/05)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: anyone

and p.s.

If I were Kerry too--I wouldn't bring up anything about the " Swift Vets "--
the man continues to want to embarass himself--must have some kind of self-hate issues.

AirBorne


13 posted on 11/19/2005 10:07:56 AM PST by AirBorn
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: stevem

3 voted against rejecting the resolution: McKinney (why am I not surprised?), Serrano, Wexler - all Democrats

6 voted present (neither yea or nay).

22 did not vote.

Murtha voted to reject the resolution.


14 posted on 11/19/2005 10:14:16 AM PST by carolinablonde (Proud member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: stevem
How did Murtha vote on the Republican resolurion?

He voted against it. The three voting for it were:

Three Democrats, Jose Serrano of New York, Robert Wexler of Florida and Cynthia McKinney of Georgia, voted for withdrawal
15 posted on 11/19/2005 10:19:31 AM PST by andyk (Fear my strategery of misunderestimation.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: carolinablonde

Do we know what six voted "present"?


16 posted on 11/19/2005 10:29:38 AM PST by Freedom'sWorthIt
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: andyk

Harry Reid admits he didn't read the pre war intelligence reports prepared by the CIA specifically at the request of Democrats.

Rockefeller says that only six Senators read the prewar intel reports.

Even though it sounds like our side didn't read the reports, they aren't the ones now complaining the intelligence was manipulated.

How can the left make an informed judgement the intelligence was manipulated if they never saw the intelligence?

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1524569/posts


17 posted on 11/19/2005 11:27:13 AM PST by Peach (The Clintons pardoned more terrorists than they ever captured or killed.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Peach
Thanks for the link. These people are amazing! When asked if she had read the briefing:

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D.-N.Y.), said: “I’m not going to say anything about that. Just let the intelligence committee do their work, okay?”
18 posted on 11/19/2005 11:37:10 AM PST by andyk (Fear my strategery of misunderestimation.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: Mulch
Not one mention of this story today in Nancy's hometown paper SF Chronicle, though still a story yesterday about Murtha.
19 posted on 11/19/2005 11:58:37 AM PST by Reeses
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: andyk

“No more than six senators and a handful of House members read beyond the five-page National Intelligence Estimate executive summary, according to several congressional aides responsible for safeguarding the classified material,” the Post said."

Now, because the majority of senators did NOT do their homework, it's Bush's fault.

America is going to hell in a handbasket because these lunatics are unable to keep their stories straight!


20 posted on 11/19/2005 5:42:10 PM PST by Fruit of the Spirit
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-22 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson