June 16, 2005

Akin Opposes Setting Date for Troop Withdrawal

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), a member of the Armed Services Committee, today criticized proposals to set a date for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.

“As the father of a United States Marine Officer currently serving in Iraq and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I believe that setting a date for withdrawal from Iraq would have disastrous consequences.

“By setting a date, Congress would be sending a message to the brave Iraqi citizens who participated in historic national elections that the United States will support the fledgling democracy for only so long and then they are on their own. Congress would be empowering the insurgency, which is seeking to subjugate Iraqi citizens by brutal and cowardly attacks.

“My recent visit to Iraq made it clear that while the insurgency continues to present a serious challenge to the fledgling democracy, it was also very clear that more Iraqis, including the Sunni minority, are coming to understand that any meaningful future demands political and not military solutions. If Congress sets a date for withdrawal, it risks turning that sentiment on its head by rewarding insurgent brutality.”

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