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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi to Republican Colleagues: ‘You Can’t Handle the Truth’
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today spoke late this evening in strong opposition to a sham Republican proposal to smear Congressman John Murtha of Pennsylvania, who has proposed immediate redeployment of troops from Iraq. Below are Pelosi’s remarks on the House floor and a video link:
Click here to watch video of Leader Pelosi's speech >>
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise as the proud representative of the city of San Francisco in the Congress of the United States. In Northern California, we treat our veterans with respect. But Mr. Murtha is not being treated as a distinguished veteran with respect here.
"Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day for this House of Representatives. Just when you think you have seen it all, the Republican majority has stooped to a new low, even for them. They have engaged in an act of deception that undermines any shred of dignity that might be left in this Republican Congress.
"But deception has been the order of the day throughout the entire Iraq engagement. Mr. Hunter’s resolution is a continuation of that deception. It is a political stunt and should it be rejected by this House.
"The Republican deception today is a disgrace. It is a disservice to our country and to our men and women in uniform. They, and the American people, deserve better.
"It is an insult to the integrity of Jack Murtha: one of the most distinguished Members to ever serve in the House of Representatives. As has been said, Jack Murtha is a decorated war veteran: two Purple Hearts, the Bronze star for his combat service, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, 37 years in active and reserve service in the Marines. His lifetime motto has been, ‘Semper Fi,’ and yet our Republican colleagues call him a coward and accuse him of cooperating with the enemy.
"As the senior Democrat on the Defense Appropriations Committee, he is known and respected for his bipartisanship. That is why the Republican attack on him is so dishonest.
"Mr. Murtha has dealt the mighty blow of truth to the President’s failed Iraq policy. The American people have rallied to Jack Murtha’s message of truth. But [to Republican colleagues] ‘you can’t handle the truth.’ Why are the Republicans so afraid of the facts?
"Mr. Speaker, during World War II, the Republican Senator from Ohio, Robert Taft, who would become the Republican Leader of the Senate said, ‘Criticism in a time of war is essential to the maintenance of any democratic government.’ Indeed, Mr. Murtha’s action to speak truth to power is a great act of patriotism.
"As one who has always had the interests of America’s men and women in uniform as his top priority, Mr. Murtha has acted as he always does – in their interests. Let us all join him in saluting our troops for their courage, patriotism, and the sacrifice they are willing to make for our country – and thank Mr. Murtha for his loyalty to them."
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“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
