FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: Instead of Offering Real Strategies for Success in Iraq, Republicans Continue to Play Politics

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in response to news reports that General George Casey has presented a plan to significantly reduce the number of troops in Iraq:

“The Bush Administration’s arrogance on Iraq is boundless.

“Democrats have long called for 2006 to be a year of significant transition, in which we begin the responsible redeployment of our troops.  Republicans have repeatedly and loudly rejected these ideas, using military, diplomatic, and national security arguments that have now been exposed as false.  Republicans are determined to reject any Democratic ideas, simply because they come from Democrats, and yet the Bush Administration is proceeding with planning reductions in our military presence in Iraq immediately before the midterm elections.  Instead of offering real strategies for success, Republicans continue to play politics with this war.

“When it comes to Iraq, the only schedule that matters to Republicans is the U.S. election schedule.”

“ 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