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Hoyer Calls Iraq Vote a Vital Step Forward in Forging a New Direction

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives approved the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act:

“Today, for the first time since President Bush gave the orders that instigated war in Iraq, the United States House of Representatives embraced its constitutional responsibility and refused to issue yet another blank check for the President’s failing policy.  Instead, we voted to change direction, demanding that our troops be protected and insisting that the Iraqis be held accountable for making progress.

“This important legislation fully funds our troops, ensures that they will be properly trained and equipped, and provides General Petraeus and our other commanders on the ground with the leverage they will need to bring warring Iraqi factions together and prepare them for the responsibility that they must ultimately assume.  Furthermore, this bill provides a responsible strategy for a phased redeployment of U.S. forces, and refocuses our efforts on fighting al Qaeda and winning the war on terror.

“I am hopeful now that the Senate will act quickly on a similar spending bill, so that we can get this legislation into conference and on the President’s desk as soon as possible.  We all pray for our success in Iraq and the safe return of our servicemen and women.  It is long past time for this Congress to assert itself and to insist on accountability and a new direction in Iraq.  Today, through this legislation, that is precisely what the House of Representatives has done.”

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