(Washington D.C.)- Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO) released the following statement today following the announcement that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld would be stepping down:

"The American people yearning for a new policy direction in Iraq realize the importance of this change in leadership at the Defense Department." 

"We must now work together in Congress to promote a stronger national defense and better protect the lives and interests of our troops in the Middle East, at home, and elsewhere abroad."

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