WASHINGTON, DC -  U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, a founding member of the Out-of-Iraq Caucus, today released a statement commending Congressman John Murtha’s call for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

Representative Schakowsky’s full statement is below:

“Today, Congressman John Murtha, a decorated war veteran and national leader on defense, called for the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. Congressman Murtha’s principled stand is a breakthrough moment in the effort to bring our troops home. A majority of Democrats in the House voted against this disastrous war, but now, those who supported it agree that the situation on the ground is untenable, that the Administration has mishandled the war, and that our troops deserve better than to be left in Iraq indefinitely.”

“Last month, we lost our 2,000th American soldier in Iraq. The situation is getting worse and less stable. The Bush administration has left our men and women in harm’s way with no exit strategy and no way out. It is time to bring them home.”

“I commend Congressman Murtha for his leadership.”

►The text of Congressman Murtha’s remarks are available here.