Washington, DC, Mar 23, 2007 -

Congressman John Carter (R, Round Rock), House Republican Conference Secretary, issued the following statement this afternoon in reaction to the House passage of a bill leading to accelerated troop retreat in Iraq:

“This bill only serves to undermine our Commanders in the field. Our Generals on the battlefield tell us when they need more bullets, more armor, and more boots on the ground to accomplish their mission. By introducing and passing this bill, the Democrats are telling us they know better than the professional soldiers who face combat every day.”

“We are sending the message to the terrorists that we are not focused, resolved and determined to win, but instead distracted by silly political games. We are telling them that we give up and they have won this battle. All they have to do is wait until August, 2008.”

“The supplemental has a specific purpose: to fund emergency priorities for our troops in harm’s way. Instead, Democrats used this legislation to micromanage our troops in Iraq. Our troops in combat deserve to be sent the resources they need, and should never be used as political pawns.”

“In addition to the limits on our Commanders, because of the $21 billion of pork in this bill, the President has promised a veto, and it will ultimately be sent back to Congress for reconsideration. This just delays getting our soldiers the funds they need to accomplish their mission. If the Democrats really want to bring the troops home safely and soon, they should give them the resources they need so they can finish their jobs and return home.”

The bill, H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health, and Iraq Accountability Act of 2007, narrowly passed the House with a vote of 218-212 and will now move to consideration in the Senate.