FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2005

CALL FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ IS A PROFILE IN CONSCIENCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today:

�Pennsylvania Representative John Murtha�s call today for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq is a profile in conscience.

�The courage of John Murtha, whether on the battlefields of Vietnam or the halls of Congress, in unassailable. Today, he put his stature and universal respect on the line for the men and women who wear our nation�s uniform. Compelled by his trips to the Middle East (on three of which I was proud to accompany him) and his visits with the wounded and their families, Murtha�s call today echoes that of Speaker Tip O�Neill�s call to bring our troops home from Vietnam. 

�As someone who has relied on Murtha�s knowledge and experience in military affairs, I believe that his comments today only further reaffirm what the people of the first district and the nation have already concluded: that the military mission is over and it is time start bringing our troops home.

�It takes someone with Murtha�s stature, who is respected by both sides of the aisle and by the administration, and whose patriotism and support for the troops is unquestionable, to break through the partisan rancor and explain what truly needs to be done in Iraq. 

�Murtha�s address to the Democratic Caucus today was one of the most moving I have had the honor to hear during my time in public service. His words today will resonate not only within the halls of Congress, but across the nation and around the globe.�

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