A roundup of comments from members of Congress on President Bush’s address on Iraq:
“I am ever mindful of the terrible price we are paying in Iraq, and then I remind myself of the lives lost on 9/11. I agree with President Bush that the work the United States is doing in Iraq is difficult and dangerous. Like most Americans, I see the images of violence and bloodshed.
I am heartened, though, by the political transformation that has taken place in Iraq and other nations in the region as the result of our actions in Iraq. … Having been to Iraq, I can tell you that our soldiers on the ground there believe we are making a difference. They are as committed as ever to assisting the Iraqi people and defeating the insurgents.”
– Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo.
“The president has failed to talk straight to the American public about Iraq and the war on terrorism for more than three years. … Because of poor (Bush) administration planning and execution in Iraq and Afghanistan, our brave GIs face situations much tougher and much more deadly than should be the case. … America deserves better, the people of Iraq deserve better and, most certainly, our soldiers deserve better.”
– Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo.
“I’ve spoken at length with a soldier from my district who was severely injured in Iraq. His story is heart- wrenching and his sacrifice is incredibly touching. I agree with this brave young man that our president was right when we went into Iraq. We must stay the course even though the cost is great.”
– Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colo.
“Today, we have no realistic strategy to reduce the risks to our soldiers and achieve our goals. While our military has done a superb job, our civilian leadership has not, and our soldiers are paying the price every day.”
– U.S. Sen John Kerry, D-Mass.
“After 27 months of war, nearly 1,750 Americans have been killed … thousands more wounded – some of them permanently – and more than $200 billion taxpayer’s dollars have been spent. With this loss of life and limb, and dollars, as well as our reputation, The president owes the American people some answers. It’s time for the president to level with the American people.”
– House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
