Hoyer: “Present” Vote on Iraq Resolution Is Statement of Protest Against Republican Partisanship

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement concerning his “present” on the Republican Resolution on Iraq:

“I voted ‘present’ on the Republican leadership’s Iraq Resolution today in protest of the continued partisanship with which that leadership is dealing with one of the most important issues facing our nation – the war in Iraq.  I would have voted ‘yes’ on this Resolution had it not become a matter of rank partisanship.

“It is regrettable that rather than exercise efforts to bring us together, the Republican leadership followed a process that is designed to deliberately drive us apart.

“The Republican Rules Committee refused to allow Mr. Lantos to offer a Democratic Resolution congratulating the Iraqi people and expressing our admiration for our troops, despite the fact that every single Member of this body could have supported it without reservation.  The Republicans tactics do not surprise me, but they do sadden me.  And I do not believe that history will judge kindly those who employ such tactics.”