Statement Of Congressman Gonzalez On Bush’s Proposal To Increase Troops In Iraq

[Press Statement Of Cong. Charles Gonzalez (D-San Antonio)]

President Bush announced his intention to address the nation on Wednesday, January 10, to present his plan on Iraq to the American public.

Congressman Gonzalez issued the following statement in anticipation of the President’s address:

“I have only heard from the White House of a plan to increase the number of troops in Iraq thus far and it will behoove us to learn what will be the rest of the President’s plan for turning the tide in Iraq before we make any commitments.  We in Congress will have to see if what he proposes Wednesday evening reflects what the American people made clear in the November election they wanted - a plan to get the Iraqi government to take over its own security.

The courage and valor of our service men and women cannot be questioned but the President and the Congress owe it to them to formulate a realistic and legitimate strategy in Iraq.  This Congress is willing to work with the President on this issue, but he must acknowledge that our role is to represent the will of the people, and the people have spoken.”