FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 08, 2003

HOYER STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST

by Stacey Farnen

“I supported military action to remove Saddam Hussein from power but I am very concerned and frustrated  that the Bush Administration did not have a plan for winning the peace, which was a serious mistake both in terms of American lives and money.

“Congress will support what it takes to win the peace because failure is not an option in Iraq.  But we will not shirk our responsibility to the American people to ask exactly how the money will be spent and what the Administration’s plan is for rebuilding these two countries and helping establish democratic governments.

“In addition, the President’s tax cuts drained our nation’s bank account of every spare penny, leaving us ill-prepared to fight the war on terrorism and help rebuild the two countries that we have invaded in the last two years, let alone invest in domestic priorities and create jobs.  It is time for the President to match his fiscal policy with his rhetorical calls for sacrifice.  He must rearrange his priorities and put the safety, security and prosperity of working Americans ahead of tax breaks for the wealthy few.”

###