8^th District Congressman and Iraq War Veteran Patrick Murphy was Joined by Military Families and Iraq Veterans to Call for Changes on the Fourth Anniversary of the War

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, on the fourth anniversary of the war in Iraq, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8^th district), former U.S. Army Captain and Iraq war veteran, marked the date by calling for long-overdue changes in Iraq.  Murphy was joined by military families and fellow Iraq war veterans from VoteVets.org.  At a press conference in the Capitol, Rep. Murphy said that it was long-past time to act with a sense of urgency.  Murphy has consistently called for a timeline to redeploy American troops and benchmarks to get the Iraqi government off the sidelines.  He supports a timeline to redeploy our troops and additional funding for troops in the field and troops coming home.  Murphy also touted the Democratic plan for Iraq that accomplishes that.  At the press conference, Murphy was joined by a mother of two Marines who have served multiple tours in Iraq and Iraq war veterans.  Murphy served in Baghdad from 2003-2004 and was a Captain with the 82^nd Airborne Division in Baghdad.  He received the Bronze Star for his service.

“This is a somber day but we need to mark it by supporting the troops still fighting.  We can do that by finally instituting a timeline to redeploy our troops from Iraq and holding President Bush and the Iraqi government accountable with benchmarks,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy.  “American troops have done all that’s been asked of them – and now, four years later, instead of sending more troops to referee an Iraqi religious civil war, we should start bringing them home.  The plan I am supporting also adds money so that we finally take care of troops in the field and troops coming home.”

The Democrats’ Plan for Iraq:

• Calls on the Iraqi government to finally come off the sidelines by instituting benchmarks.

• Creates a timeline to redeploy American troops from Iraq.

• Fully supports our troops by giving them the equipment and resources they need.

• Fully supports our veterans by giving the VA added funding so that they are able to take care of a new generation of veterans and care for those of older generations.

• Addresses the resurgent Taliban by sending more troops to support the forces fighting in Afghanistan.

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For Immediate Release, March 16, 2007

Contact: Adam Abrams, (202) 225-4276