Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement in response to a Republican-proposed resolution that was introduced today:

“Yesterday Congressman John Murtha put forth an Iraq War resolution to begin a serious and deliberate debate about the situation in Iraq.

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

“Today Republican leaders hastily penned their own amendment mocking that decorated war veteran’s attempt to begin a serious conversation on the worsening situation in Iraq.

“The entire resolution as written by the Republicans reads, ‘Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately.’

“This pathetic political stunt mocks the seriousness of the situation in Iraq. It makes no mention of the blunders and intelligence failures that got us into this quagmire.  It refuses to hold the President accountable for outlining a strategy for success in Iraq.  It fails to explain how we can ensure a secure Iraq. Worst of all, it disrespects the sacrifices and service of our women and men currently serving in Iraq.

“The Iraq war is quite literally a life and death matter. How dare the Republicans turn it into a joking matter.”

Larsen is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.