Ruppersberger Votes Against Iraq Resolution

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland 2nd) voted against the Iraq Resolution today.  The Congressman believes we should not be using our troops for political purposes that are offensive to the troops risking their lives in Iraq and their families living without them here at home. 

“A vote today in favor of the Iraq Resolution would be a vote in favor of the status quo and staying the course in Iraq and continuing along this bumpy, dangerous, and deadly road.  I believe we need a new strategy in Iraq.  I believe the Iraqi security forces must take on more responsibility in securing their country.  I believe we must move American troops to the perimeter of the urban areas and let the Iraqi military patrol the streets of their cities.  The American military will still back up the Iraqis in an emergency.  This will reduce the Iraqi dependency on Americans and help them gain confidence in their own ability to secure their country.  The ultimate goal is to establish a free, open, and democratic Iraqi government and bring our men and women in uniform home.  This perimeter strategy will free up American troops and help us do that,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). 

Congressman Ruppersberger has been to Iraq four times and just returned from a trip to the country with House Speaker Dennis Hastert over the Memorial Day Recess.  Congressman Ruppersberger presented his perimeter plan to President Bush and his Cabinet on two separate visits to the White House.  When talking to Generals with the Iraqi and U.S. forces including General George Casey, Commanding General of the Multi-National Force, during his most recent trip to Iraq, the Generals told the Congressman that they were confident that the Iraqi military was ready to take on this new responsibility in large parts of the country.  They said the Iraqi security forces would be ready in all areas of the country by the end of the year. 

The American people are losing confidence in the War in Iraq.  Americans are turning on the news and opening up the newspaper to see more and more stories about troops being killed by roadside bombs, suicide bombers, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).  Yesterday the Department of Defense announced that 2,500 troops have died in the War in Iraq since it began more than three years ago and close to 20,000 have been injured. 

“The only people sacrificing in the War in Iraq are the troops and their families.  I believe we should not set an arbitrary date and deadline for the withdrawal of American troops.  That will give the insurgents an incentive to lay low and then attack once the American troops are gone.  I believe we need a new strategy in Iraq.  I believe my perimeter plan will help turn the tide in Iraq so we can start bringing our military Servicemen and Women home,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).    

Congressman Ruppersberger is a strong supporter of the troops.  He created “Operation Hero Miles,” an innovative program that allows people to donate their unused frequent flyer miles so the troops can get free flights home from Iraq and Afghanistan.  The program was expanded and now family members of wounded troops can receive free plane tickets to visit their loved ones recovering at military hospitals across the country.  Visit www.heromiles.org for more information.

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