WASHINGTON, DC - Today, House Resolution 571, a measure calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Iraq, will be considered under highly irregular procedures. The measure was introduced today by Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., following yesterday's press conference by Representative John P. Murtha, D-Pa, at which Murtha announced his support for ending the American military presence in Iraq in a safe and orderly manner as quickly as possible. Representative Murtha introduced his own well thought out resolution, (House Joint Resolution 73), but Republicans would not allow that measure to be considered.

Congressman Honda believes that:

* Congressman Duncan Hunter’s sham resolution calling for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq is a political stunt and an outrageous politicization of a serious proposal offered by Congressman Murtha, a respected leader in the Congress.

* Mr. Murtha is a decorated Vietnam combat veteran and retired Marine colonel with 37 years of military service, who received the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

oSenior Democrat on the Defense Appropriations subcommittee

oChampion for accountability from the Administration on the conduct of the war in Iraq

o Tremendous leadership in supporting our troops

* This resolution shows great disrespect to someone of Representative Jack Murtha’s stature and is a discredit to his years of service to this nation.

* From the beginning, this war has been conducted without oversight.

oDemocrats have repeatedly asked for substantive hearings on the war in Iraq.

oDemocrats have requested investigations on the misuse of intelligence by the Bush Administration.

oDemocrats have demanded hearings on torture, contract fraud and the leak of confidential national security information.

* The Republican Congress has refused to exercise its oversight responsibilities to protect the troops, the taxpayers and our national security.

* Congressman Hunter’s resolution does not reflect Mr. Murtha’s serious proposal for a debate and discussion on disengagement from Iraq.