FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2006

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

Democratic Leadership Call for a New Direction on Security

Washington, D.C.—House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid asserted Democratic leadership on national security today in a meeting with former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO and retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark, and former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski.

“Democrats are united that no matter how high the price, how heavy the burden, or how fierce the foe, we will do everything necessary to protect the American people,” said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.  “Keeping America safe is our first responsibility as elected officials.  Democrats have a record of achievement in national security and sound ideas about how to combat terrorism, change course toward success in Iraq, and protect the American people.”

“One week ago, Democratic Senators and Representatives wrote to President Bush, urging him to work with us to find a new way forward in Iraq,” said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid.  “Judging by his comments to the nation Monday night, he isn’t interested in working with us. President Bush is still determined to ‘stay-the-course,’ even if the course is making America less safe and Iraq less stable. Democrats have laid out a way forward in Iraq.  It’s tough.  It’s smart.  And it will refocus our military on the real threats we face. Protecting America should not be a partisan issue.  Democrats stand united behind real security for America.  It’s time for the President to join us.”

The House and Senate Democratic Leadership made the case for a new direction for America’s security citing the Bush Administration and Republican Congress’s “stay the course” strategy in Iraq, the failure to kill or capture Osama bin Laden, the independent 9/11 Commission’s numerous grades of D’s and F’s on homeland security, the failure to adequately provide troops and their families the equipment and benefits they need and deserve, and U.S. military readiness levels that are at historic lows. 

“ 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