House GOP Seeks Quick Vote on Iraq Pullout
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Nov 18, 5:07 PM (ET)
By LIZ SIDOTI
(AP) This is an image made from a C-Span broadcast of the U.S.Senate television feed showing Sen. John...
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WASHINGTON (AP) - House Republicans, seeing an opportunity, maneuvered for a quick vote and swift rejection Friday of a Democratic lawmaker's call for an immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq.
"We want to make sure that we support our troops that are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "We will not retreat."
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California had no immediate reaction to the idea of a quick vote before Congress leaves Washington for two weeks.
GOP leaders decided to act little more than 24 hours after Rep. John Murtha, a hawkish Democrat with close ties to the military, said the time had come to pull out the troops.
(AP) House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., holds a press conference with other House GOP members to...
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By forcing the issue to a vote, Republicans placed many Democrats in a politically unappealing position - whether to side with Murtha and expose themselves to attacks from the White House and congressional Republicans, or whether to oppose him and risk angering the voters that polls show want an end to the conflict.
Murtha offered a resolution that would force the president to withdraw the nearly 160,000 troops in Iraq "at the earliest practicable date." It would establish a quick-reaction force and a nearby presence of Marines in the region.
House Republicans planned to put to a vote - and reject - their own resolution that simply says: "It is the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately."
Most Republicans oppose Murtha's plan, and some Democrats also have been reluctant to back his position.
Some members of the House and Senate, looking ahead to off-year elections next November, are publicly worrying about a quagmire in Iraq. They have been staking out new positions on a war that has grown increasingly unpopular with the American public, resulted in more than 2,000 U.S. military deaths and cost more than $200 billion.
(AP) Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., faces reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington Friday, Nov. 18, 2005,...
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The House move comes just days after the GOP-controlled Senate defeated a Democratic push for Bush to lay out a timetable for withdrawal. Spotlighting questions from both parties about the war, though, the chamber then approved a statement that 2006 should be a significant year in which conditions are created for the phased withdrawal of U.S. forces.
"Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency," Murtha said Thursday. "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."
A day after his comments, a U.S. field commander in Iraq countered the position of the congressman who usually backs the Pentagon.
"Here on the ground, our job is not done," said Col. James Brown, commander of the 56th Brigade Combat Team, when asked about Murtha's comments during a weekly briefing that American field commanders give to Pentagon reporters.
Speaking from a U.S. logistics base at Balad, north of Baghdad, two days before his scheduled return to Texas, Brown said: "We have to finish the job that we began here. It's important for the security of this nation."
(AP) Senators Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., hold a news conference on pre-Iraq War...
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Republicans chastised Murtha for advocating what they called a strategy of surrender and abandonment. Democrats defended him as a patriot, even as many declined to back his view.
"I won't stand for the swift-boating of Jack Murtha," said Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004. Also a Vietnam veteran, Kerry was dogged during the campaign by a group called the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth who challenged his war record.
"There is no sterner stuff than the backbone and courage that defines Jack Murtha's character and conscience," Kerry said.
For his part, Kerry has proposed a phased exit from Iraq, starting with the withdrawal of 20,000 troops after December elections in Iraq. A Kerry spokesman said "he has his own plan" when asked if Kerry agreed with immediate withdrawal.
As a Vietnam veteran and top Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, Murtha carries more credibility with his colleagues on the issue than a number of other Democrats who have opposed the war from the start.
Bush administration officials have been cautious in responding to him.
"We have nothing but respect for Congressman Murtha's service to his country," White House communications director Nicolle Wallace told NBC's "Today" show Friday. "And I think he spoke from the heart yesterday. We happen to have a real serious policy disagreement with him."
Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Texas, a 29-year Air Force veteran who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam for nearly seven years, called Murtha's position unconscionable and irresponsible. "We've got to support our troops to the hilt and see this mission through," he said.
With a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, Murtha retired from the Marine Corps reserves as a colonel in 1990 after 37 years as a Marine, only a few years longer than he's been in Congress. Elected in 1974, Murtha has become known as an authority on national security whose advice was sought out by Republican and Democratic administrations alike.
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Some might think we're bad here....but it looks like our Congress has totally lost it.
SHOWDOWN TIME!!! The dems have been SAYING they want the troops withdrawn....let's see how many of them vote to do just that...or wer ALL BSing.
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
posted on November 18, 2005 03:50:30 PM new
Why would the Dems vote on this proposal for immediate withdrawal of the troops when it is not what the original proposal stated, which was to start withdrawing the troops in six months.
posted on November 18, 2005 04:06:33 PM new
maggie - Six months would be an immediate withdrawal....IF we could do it that quickly without endangering our troops lives.
The idiot that started all this yesterday....asking for our troops to be brought home is currently on c-span.
Drudge Report Headlines
GOP to Dems: Pull Troops Now? Okay, then let's vote...
Troop resolution Tonight; hitting the House floor between 5:45 and 7:45...
Ultimate showdown...
IT'S A GO: IRAQ WAR SHOWDOWN IN CONGRESS: VOTE ON TROOP PULLOUT
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
posted on November 18, 2005 04:18:30 PM new
Only the lowest most anti-troop, anti-American mentally voided, brain dead piece of irresponsible garbage would call Murtha either a coward or an idiot. It truly shows their values are at the bottom of the pond...hence their adoration of Bush...
posted on November 18, 2005 04:22:23 PM new
Murtha:
Defense and National Security
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distinguished Service Medal of the United States Marine Corps, upon his retirement from the Marine Corps Reserves for 37 years of distinguished service to his country, 1990.
Semper Fidelis Award of the Marine Corps Foundation, presented to former Marines who exemplify the traditions and values of the Marine Corps, 2002.
David Glick Award of the World Affairs Council, for distinguished contributions to the understanding of world affairs, 2001.
Outstanding Legislator Award of the Association of the United States Army, 2001.
Spirit of Hope Award of the United Service Organization (USO), named for Bob Hope and presented for dedication to military-service personnel, 2000. Murtha also received the USO's Service Award for support of troops and families during Operation Desert Storm, 1992.
Friend of Defense Science Award from the Association of American Universities, 2000.
Robert A. Thompson Award of the Navy League, for an outstanding citizen who is effectively mindful of the importance of sea power to the national defense, 2000.
Legion of Honor Gold Medallion of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, for service to all people regardless of race or faith, symbolizing the unity of nations, 2000.
Harry S. Truman Award of the National Guard Association of the United States, for advocating the National Guard's role in national defense, 1993.
Defense Industry Award of the American Defense Preparedness Association, 1993.
Minuteman of the Year Award of the Reserve Officers Association, 1992.
Semper Fidelis Award of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College Foundation, presented to former Marines who exemplify the traditions and values of the Marine Corps, 1991.
Patriot Award of the Pennsylvania American Legion, for his patriotism, 1991.
Grace Murray Hopper Award of the National Security Industrial Association for his support of computer software initiatives, 1991.
99th Army Reserve Command Award of the Army Reserve Association of Pennsylvania, 1991.
Distinguished American Award from the Air Force Association, 1989.
Iron Mike Award, the highest honor of the Marine Corps League, for his support of the Marine Corps and national defense, 1988.
Public Service Award of the National Security Industry Association, 1988.
Distinguished Service Award of the Marine Corps League, 1987.
National Security Leadership Award of the American Security Council, 1987.
Henry M. Jackson Distinguished Service Award, for his support of a strong national defense.
Leadership Award of the Coalition for Peace Through Strength.
Eagle Award of the National Guard Bureau.
Lt. Col. B.D. "Buzz" Wagner Meritorious Service Award of the B.D. "Buzz" Wagner Chapter of the Air Force Association.
CAP Leadership Award of the Civil Air Patrol, 1992.
Nathan Hale Award and the Appalachian Patriot Award from Pennsylvania military reserve organizations.
posted on November 18, 2005 04:26:32 PM new
"The idiot that started all this yesterday....asking for our troops to be brought home is currently on c-span."
Another soulless blathering by the Anti-American, Anti-Veteran... LINDUH!
posted on November 18, 2005 04:34:24 PM new
No rusty....this is a SHOWDOWN....the GOP is telling the whining anti-war dems who are using this war for their own personal political gain to put their VOTES where their BS statements have been.
This will settle it for a while anyway. The dems won't be allowed to continue saying they didn't support this war...when they did. OR they want the war ended now....when they really didn't.
The VOTES will show where they stand and help voters decided IF they want to re-elect them OR NOT....because of their position and how they vote tonight.
SHOWDOWN TIME....
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
posted on November 18, 2005 04:55:07 PM new
Of course it will also show the 60% of americans that feel this war was a mistake and we need to get out exactly where there republican representatives stand on the issue as well.
Not a smart move.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
posted on November 18, 2005 05:00:37 PM new
I disagree. It's an EXTREMELY gifted political move/idea.
Put up or shut up. Take your [their] stand.
You want us out NOW? Then vote that way. You don't...then quit your bitching about our troops being there....and support their mission
It's been the dems who have complained and whined for years about everything going wrong...how we shouldn't have gone in there...how we were lied to by the right...etc..etc...etc.
NOW....watch as those same dems squirm and come up with all different sorts of excuses in the world to why they'll vote TO LEAVE THEM THERE.
posted on November 18, 2005 05:15:21 PM new
linduhKKK you are truly the low, lying Schmidthead you indicated when you called Murtha an idiot.
The following statement is so full of holes and hot air, half truths, and deception...you should've been a politician, you anti-troop, anti-American bottom feeder:
""This will settle it for a while anyway. The dems won't be allowed to continue saying they didn't support this war...when they did. OR they want the war ended now....when they really didn't.
""
First: ALL Democrats do not believe or think the same way, unlike Repugs who are programed like good little robots.
Second:SOME Democrats DIDN'T support the war and NEVER said otherwise.
Third:ALL Democrats are NOT calling for immediate withdrawal and SOME Republicans are.
Fourth:That statement was one of your better examples of totally twisted baloney....
posted on November 18, 2005 06:21:25 PM new
LIAR-LINDA_K,
This NEOCON SWIFTBOAT style attack on a TRUE AMERICAN HERO IS DISGUSTING.
The Letter below from Sen John Kerry says it all.
JOHN KERRY
This is our moment of truth. You and I have to make it absolutely clear that we won't stand for Republican "Swift Boat" style attacks on Jack Murtha.
Yesterday, an extraordinary congressman, former Marine Drill Sergeant and decorated Vietnam veteran, spoke out on the war in Iraq. He didn't come to that moment lightly. He spoke his mind and spoke his heart out of love for his country and support for our troops. No sooner had the words left his lips than the vicious assault on his character and patriotism began.
Today, in a statement on the Senate floor, in interviews with the national media, and in this message to you, I am seeking out every opportunity to defend a brave American hero that the Republican attack machine has set their sights on.
I urge you to do the same. Whether you agree or disagree with Jack Murtha is irrelevant. These despicable attacks on Jack Murtha's patriotism and courage must be met with an enormous public outcry. Call your local talk radio show, write a letter to the editor, phone your members of Congress - join me in acting now to reject these "Swift Boat" style attacks on Jack Murtha.
It disgusts me that a bunch of guys who have never put on the uniform of their country have aimed their venom at a marine who served America heroically in Vietnam and has been serving heroically in Congress ever since. No matter what J.D. Hayworth says, there is no sterner stuff than the backbone and courage that defines Jack Murtha's character and conscience.
Dennis Hastert -- the Speaker of the House who never served -- accused Jack Murtha of being a coward. Well let me tell you, Jack Murtha wasn't a coward when he put himself in harm's way for his country in Vietnam and earned two purple hearts -- he was a patriot then, and he is a patriot today. Jack Murtha's courage in combat earned him a Bronze Star, and his voice should be heard, not silenced by those who still today cut and run from the truth.
Instead of letting his cronies run their mouths, the President for once should stop his allies from doing to Jack Murtha what he set them loose to do to John McCain in South Carolina and Max Cleland in Georgia.
The President should finally find the courage to debate the real issue instead of destroying anyone who speaks truth to power as they see it. It's time for Americans to stand up, fight back, and make it clear it's unacceptable to do this to any leader of any party anywhere in our country.
I urge you to join today in a massive public outcry that rejects the attempt to demonize and destroy anyone who dares to disagree with George W. Bush's aimless "stay for as long as it takes" policy on Iraq.
Please act now. Call and email your elected officials. Flood talk radio with calls rejecting these vicious smear tactics. Send a letter to the editor. Express your outrage about the tired old Rovian "Swift Boat" style attacks on Jack Murtha.
posted on November 18, 2005 06:45:08 PM new
Hey Bigpeepa, I DID email Jean Schit, er Schmidt and reamed her a new one...what a dirt bag!
Told her to apologize now, but luckily that won't help her !
Her vicious attack on ALL veterans will not go over well
posted on November 19, 2005 05:38:49 AM new
Just as I predicted.....the dems voted they DIDN'T want to immediately withdraw out troops from Iraq.
403-3 with 6 voting 'present'.
Six chicken dems who didn't want to go on record and only THREE dems who wanted us to pull out immediately.
Hope this was worth all the time and taxpayer money it took to make the GOP point....that while they'll use this for their own political gain....they really DON'T think it's the best thing for us or the Iraq's at this time.
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
posted on November 19, 2005 06:06:17 AM new
Oh No linda, you're not getting away with THAT BIG LIE!
THis waste of time and money was brought to the American public by the REPUBLICANS
NOT the Democrats.
The slime put on this display, this joke, in total disrespect for the troops...it was a big joke to the Repugs as they mocked the lives and sacrifices of Americans.
And , you , in your blind stupidity, keep insisting that ALL democrats wanted immediate withdrawal...and we all know that's not true...so THAT lie isn't going to fly either
Believe what you want but this circus stunt by the repugs isn't going to help at election time at all....especially with that nasty insult from the pig Schmidt to our veterans
THE WHITE House is so deluded, it actually believes it can turn a soaring hawk into a scrounging chicken. Stung by the call by US Representative John Murtha of Pennsylvania to pull out of Iraq, Scott McClellan, President Bush's press secretary, said this week, ''It is baffling that he is endorsing the policy positions of Michael Moore and the extreme liberal wing of the Democratic Party."
Talk about playing the chicken-hawk card. A White House where most of the architects of war avoided combat in their own lives dared to associate two people who are worlds apart in world views. Moore made the anti-Bush ''Fahrenheit 9/11," which infuriated the right wing by breaking box office records for a documentary film. Moore was booed at the 2004 Republican National Convention.
Murtha is the 73-year-old recipient of two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for combat duty in Vietnam. He is a Democrat whose three decades in office are marked by support of President Reagan's policies in Nicaragua and El Salvador. Murtha was a top Democratic supporter of the 1991 Gulf War. He wants a constitutional ban on burning the American flag.
In a 2002 press briefing, former Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz termed the support of politicians like Murtha for the Pentagon as ''wonderful." In the 2004 vice presidential debate, incumbent Dick Cheney said, ''One of my strongest allies in Congress when I was secretary of defense was Jack Murtha."
For all those shows of patriotism, Murtha was skeptical about the rush to invade Iraq in 2003 of Iraq even though he voted to give President Bush the authorization to go to war. He publicly said Bush beat the war drums before building an international coalition. Murtha said he had not seen anything in intelligence reports that indicated an imminent threat. Murtha said Bush ''has put the country in such a box. He can say, 'You'll undercut me if you don't vote for this resolution.' "
One month after the invasion, when no weapons of mass destruction had yet been found, Murtha warned that American credibility was at risk. By the September, the absence of weapons of mass destruction made him join the much more liberal House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi, in calling for Bush to fire the planners of the invasion. Despite the proclamation that ''we achieved a marvelous military victory," Murtha became increasingly frustrated with the chaos of the occupation. This summer, Murtha said administration officials were ''not honest in their assessment" that they were winning the ongoing battle.
Finally, this week, Murtha unleased a scathing attack on Bush's Iraq policy. He called it ''a flawed policy wrapped in illusion." He said he believed military officials when he visited Kuwait just before the war and they showed him where American forces would be attacked by weapons of mass destruction when they approach Baghdad. But now, with no end to the killing in sight, he said, ''The US cannot accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. It's time to bring the troops home. . .They have become the enemy."
Murtha talked about soldier after soldier he has visited in hospitals, wounded and maimed by the invasion. Yet, there's more terrorism now than there ever was and it's because of what? Is it because of our policy? I would say it's a big part."
In perhaps the most humble admission of his press conference, Murtha said, ''The American public is way ahead of the members of Congress."
This came the day after Cheney threw mud in the direction of critics who gave Bush his war authorization. Cheney accused them of making ''irresponsible comments." He accused them issuing ''cynical and pernicious falsehoods" to make ''a play for political advantage."
He said, ''The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory -- or their backbone."
This was the same Cheney who gave us some of the greatest falsehoods of this generation with ''There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction . . . We believe he has, in fact, reconstituted nuclear weapons," and that we would be ''welcomed as liberators."
Murtha clobbered Cheney's words the next day, saying, ''I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done."
This hawk still soars, above the scrounging chicken hawks.
