Washington, Dec 3, 2003 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) was joined today by 19 Members of Congress in sending President George W. Bush a letter urging the Administration to better support the troops based in Iraq.

The letter states:

“We, Members of Congress, believe that our troops in Iraq are receiving an unacceptably low level of support from the Administration in the key areas of essential equipment, access to healthcare, pay, and morale.”

The letter lays out four key areas in which there is inconsistency between the words and the actions of the Administration. The troops in the field need proper body armor, and biological and chemical suits and improved moral. The soldiers are also faced with poor health care and efforts to cut their pay. This Administration has fallen short on our commitment to the servicemen and women who are bravely serving our nation.

The Representatives state:

“We see a large inconsistency between your words and the actions of your Administration. While you continuously praise the troops, the actions of your Administration are harmful to the troops. Mr. President, we believe the soldiers fighting this war deserve some answers.”

Joining Kucinich are Reps. McDermott (D-WA), Lee (D-CA), Owens (D-NY), Hinchey (D-NY), Stark (D-CA), Schakowsky (D-IL), Meeks (D-NY), Watson (C-CA), Solis (D-CA), McCollum (D-MN), Waters (D-CA), S. Brown (D-OH), Strickland (D-OH), Conyers (D-MI), Tubbs Jones (D-OH), Woolsey (D-CA), Grijalva (D-AZ), D. Davis (D-IL), and Markey (D-MA).