WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman David Wu today issued the statement below following the passage of H.R. 2596 by a vote of 223 to 201. The legislation requires the Bush Administration to begin redeploying troops from Iraq within 120 days and to complete the transition to a limited presence in Iraq by April 2008.

 
The vote occurred on the same day as the release of the White House Interim Report on Iraq which indicates the Iraqi government has failed to meet key benchmarks endorsed by President Bush in January.

“Today's vote, supported by the Administration's own grim report on the status of Iraq, sends the president a clear message: admit your mistake and end the recklessness that is undermining our military readiness and national security.

"Unfortunately, it seems the president will continue to ignore the sad reality of Iraq and to turn a deaf ear to the American people, our professional military and intelligence officials.
"The American people know that by staying the course we delay the day of political reconciliation in Iraq and further undermine our standing around the world.

"It is time for the president to change course, to work with Congress to end the Iraq war."

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