FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 08, 2006

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

Pelosi: ‘I Hope the Departure of Mr. Rumsfeld Will Mark A Fresh Start Toward a New Policy in Iraq’

Washington, D.C.– House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the announcement that Donald Rumsfeld has resigned as Secretary of Defense and President Bush will nominate former CIA Director Robert Gates to replace him:

“I welcome the long overdue change in leadership at the Pentagon – now we need a change in policy.  Secretary Rumsfeld has lost the confidence of his most crucial constituency: the men and women of our armed forces who rely on the civilian leadership of the Pentagon to provide them with the support needed to do their dangerous jobs as effectively and safely as possible.  Mr. Rumsfeld failed to do that – that is why I called for him to step down nearly three years ago.

“A new direction on Iraq is also long overdue.  I hope the departure of Mr. Rumsfeld will mark a fresh start toward a new policy in Iraq, signaling a willingness on the part of the President to work with the Congress to devise a better way forward.  Our troops deserve no less.

“Mr. Gates has a great deal of experience on national security matters.  The Senate will need to review his credentials closely to determine if he is the right person to serve as Secretary of Defense at this critical time.”

“ 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