WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31) voted against H.Res.571, a resolution written by Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA-52) calling for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Following the vote – the resolution failed by a vote of 3 to 403 – Rep. Becerra issued the following statement:
“The Hunter resolution – including the sentiment behind introducing it – is a dishonest attempt to confuse the American people. It disrespects the fundamental values our men and women in uniform defend. It was brought to the floor of the House with the aim of discrediting Rep. Jack Murtha (PA-12), a war hero of incredible stature who has the respect of men and women serving in uniform and the respect of men and women serving in this Congress. Yesterday, Rep. Murtha introduced House Joint Resolution 73 (H.J.Res.73), which spells out a coherent strategy to redeploy U.S. forces currently stationed in Iraq.
“It is reprehensible to think that the elected representatives of good, hardworking citizens of this country would look to politicize the war, would look to compromise the lives of our troops in such a deplorable manner. H.Res.571 is a counterfeit proposal in the face of Rep. Murtha’s resolution. What Congressman Murtha did in advancing H.J.Res.73 was both honorable and courageous – his resolution so eloquently stated that which many here in our nation’s capital, and indeed, a great many Americans all across this country, believe in their hearts and minds: that our troops deserve a coherent strategy for winning the peace in Iraq. It is irresponsible for the Congress to call for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq without doing so in a manner that ensures their safety and the stability of an emerging democracy.
“We cannot undo the past in this misguided war in Iraq. But we should understand the consequences of our actions on our future. The haphazard fashion in which this war was planned has left our brave men and women in uniform working honorably, tirelessly in the Iraqi desert, yet working without any tangible sense of when they can return home to their families.
“Winning the peace is harder than winning the war. It takes time. But the day when our troops – who have sacrificed most – can come home cannot come fast enough. I applaud Rep. Murtha for his courage and wish we could have had a vote on his thoughtful resolution rather than this sham of a bill before us tonight.”
Rep. Becerra is a co-sponsor of H.J.Res.73.
# # # Becerra.house.gov # # #