Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today issued the following statement in reaction to the resignation of Donald Rumsfeld from his post as Secretary of Defense:
"It was more than three years ago that on the advice of Secretary Rumsfeld, President Bush declared that the war in Iraq was ‘mission accomplished.’ Since that declaration we’ve seen U.S. troops, their families, and all Americans pay a high price for the Bush Administration's 'stay the course' strategy in Iraq."
"I am looking forward to working with new leadership in Congress, and I welcome the news that indicates new leadership at the Department of Defense."
"It is my hope that this change in leadership signals a change in strategy. Secretary Rumsfeld executed this war with no plan beyond the initial invasion, rejecting sound advice and guidance from experienced generals, Middle East experts, troops on the ground, and elected officials from both sides of the aisle. Perhaps this resignation signals that Rumsfeld and this Administration are prepared to be accountable for this error in planning and judgment."
"I believe America's brave soldiers deserve first-rate replacement for Rumsfeld, and a new direction for Iraq."
