FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 27, 2006
CONTACT: William Tranghese (202) 225-5601

NEAL CALLS FOR RUMSFELD'S RESIGNATION
Cites the Secretary of Defense's mismanagement of the Iraq war

WASHINGTON - Citing his mismanagement of the Iraq war, Congressman Richard E. Neal today called for the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. After more than three years at war,  approximately 2,396 American casualties, and with no honorable exit strategy in sight, Neal said it was time for Rumsfeld to step aside. In October 2002, Neal was 1 of 133 House Members who voted against the resolution authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.

"Since the beginning of the war, I have had serious concerns and reservations about Donald Rumsfeld's leadership," said Neal. "I never believed that the Secretary of Defense sent enough troops to Iraq, but he dismissed those who questioned his judgment at the time. When Army General Eric Shinseki told Congress in 2003 that that "several hundred thousand troops" would be needed to secure postwar Iraq, he was rebuked by Rumsfeld. That was a defining moment for many Americans who had doubts about the war. It suggested the Secretary of Defense was not listening to the advice of his military commanders. Unfortunately, events in Iraq have proven that General Shinseki was right."

In the last month, seven retired military commanders have publicly called for Rumsfeld's ouster. Army General Wesley Clark, Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni, Army Major General John Batiste, Marine Corps Lieutenant General Gregory Newbold, Army Major Gen Paul Eaton, Army General John Riggs and Army Major General Charles Swannack Jr., have all urged the Secretary of Defense to step down.

Democrats and Republicans are now questioning Rumsfeld's leadership and temperament. Conservatives Robert Novak and William Kristol have joined Democrats Edward M. Kennedy, Joseph Biden and John Kerry in calling for the Secretary of Defense's resignation. However, President Bush has strongly defended Rumsfeld on several occasions.

"And now several Generals who were deeply involved in the planning and execution of the Iraq war are
speaking out about Donald Rumsfeld's mismanagement. They have worked directly with the Secretary of Defense and it is clear that they have lost confidence in him. In their opinion, Rumsfeld failed to listen to advice and minimized the extent of the insurgency. These military commanders have served our country with honor and distinction, and I believe we should take their words very seriously."

"It is time for Donald Rumsfeld to step down. He needs to be held accountable for his mismanagement in Iraq. The next change President Bush makes in his cabinet should be at the Pentagon. We need a fresh start at the Defense of Department, a clear vision for success in Iraq and an honorable exit strategy. That can only happen with Donald Rumsfeld's departure," said Neal.

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