Regards,
TS
Washington, D.C. – Today during floor debate of House Concurring Resolution 63, ten House Republicans joined Congressman Jones in voicing their opposition to a “surge” of U.S. military forces in Iraq. The resolution, cosponsored by Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC), states: “Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq.” The resolution also expresses Congress’ disapproval of the decision to deploy more than 20,000 additional U. S. combat troops to Iraq.
The Republican members joining Congressman Jones included Reps. Howard Coble (NC), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Mike Castle (DE), Jim Ramstad (MN), Ric Keller (FL), Phil English (PA), Ron Paul (TX), John Duncan (TN), Steven LaTourette (OH) and Fred Upton (MI).
During his time on the floor of the House, Congressman Jones referenced numerous military officials who have voiced their opposition to a proposed surge of U.S. troops in Baghdad:
General John Abizaid, former Commander of U.S. Central Command, said during a Senate Armed Services hearing on November 15, 2006: “I believe that more American forces prevent the Iraqis from doing more, from taking more responsibility for their own future.”
General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during his appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on December 17, 2006: “I am not persuaded that another surge of troops into Baghdad for the purposes of suppressing this communitarian violence, this civil war, will work.”
At a Senate Foreign Relations hearing on January 18, 2007, Marine Gen. Joseph Hoar, former Commander of U.S. Central Command said: “The proposed solution is to send more troops, and it won’t work. The addition of 21,000 troops is too little and too late.” At that same hearing, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, former Commander of the Southern Command, said: “They’re [the current Administration is] going to try to muscle this thing out in the next 24 months, with an urban counterinsurgency plan that I personally believe, with all due respect, is a fool’s errand.”
“I am persuaded by all available evidence that an escalation of U.S. troop levels is not the way forward in Iraq,” Congressman Jones said. “I am especially heartened by the many calls of support for this resolution that I have received from military families across North Carolina’s 3rd District, and throughout the country. This resolution – H. Con. Res. 63 – is an opportunity to thank our brave men and women in uniform who have performed magnificently in Iraq, and to show the American people that Congress wants to help the President develop a policy for victory.”
For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kathleen Joyce at (202) 225-3415.
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I got this from Jones' website: Congressman Walter B. Jones It does appear Jones was lobbied by military families. IMHO, This is a consequence of the Dems playing politics with foreign policy. It could also be he's blowin' smoke to cover his withdrawal.
Regards,
TS