WICKER OPPOSES APPROPRIATIONS BILL CONTAINING PROVISIONS ‘JEOPARDIZING CHANCES FOR SUCCESS’ IN IRAQ
Plan ignores warnings about timetables for troop withdrawal
WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker voted against a supplemental appropriations bill to fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan because it contained ill-advised provisions to force troop withdrawal and tie the hands of our generals and soldiers.
The Congressman, who serves on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said the policy course proposed by the Democrat majority puts them to the left of the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times. The Times called the plan “bad public policy and bad precedent.” Wicker said, “The bipartisan Iran Study Group and the National Intelligence Estimate also cautioned against setting timetables for a U.S. pullout and the far-reaching consequences that could follow, but the Democrats ignored these warnings and pressed ahead.”
Wicker said, “We should be standing together in bipartisan support of a bill that gives our military the resources to be successful in Iraq and the global war on terror. Instead, we have a proposal that micromanages the war and jeopardizes our chances for success.”
Setting a date-certain departure date is a dangerous idea that would have disastrous results. “Our enemies will simply adjust their tactics and wait us out.” He said an early pull-out would signal defeat for the U.S. and embolden terrorists in Iraq and around the world. He noted there are signs that the new strategy is taking hold in Iraq. “It would be a grave and irresponsible mistake to undercut our soldiers by passing this measure before the strategy has time to be implemented.”
“The message we send here today should not be one to the terrorists to bide their time and wait for the U.S. to leave. The message should be one of complete and total support for our troops and for appropriation of the resources they need to succeed,” Wicker said.
Rep. Roger Wicker Press Release
3/23/7
Magnolia Tribune
