FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2006

CONTACT: Edward Jackson (202) 225-2201

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters Welcomes Bush Administration Plan to Bring Home U.S. Troops and End War in Iraq

Casey Plan is a Victory for the “Out of Iraq” Congressional Caucus



WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (CA-35), Co-Founder and Chair of the 72 Member “Out of Iraq” Congressional Caucus, upon hearing the Bush Administration's announcement to start decreasing the number of U.S. troops in Iraq, today declared victory in accomplishing one of the Caucus’ primary objectives. Late last week, Army General George W. Casey reportedly presented a plan to U.S. military leaders and President Bush that is virtually identical to the one adopted by the “Out of Iraq” Caucus—H.J. Res 73, the Murtha “Over the Horizon” resolution.

“For more than a year, the ‘Out of Iraq’ Caucus has been actively pushing for the Bush Administration to figure out an end game, get the job done, and bring the troops home,” said Rep. Waters. “This is not a time for crowing or 'I told you so.' Now, that the White House has embraced the Murtha resolution, which was the proposal pushed by our caucus, the primary focus must remain on making sure our troops have everything they need to complete their mission and bringing them home safely.”

In November 2005, U.S. Rep. John Murtha (PA-12) introduced H.J. Res 73, a resolution establishing the "Over the Horizon" strategy, which would immediately prevent anymore U.S. troops from being sent to Iraq. Next, the resolution calls for the redeployment of US troops in Iraq “as soon as practicable”, a decision to be made by military leaders on the ground in Iraq. It then calls for a contingent of Marines to remain in the region—“Over the Horizon”—to protect our allies and quickly combat any potential threats to U.S. national security. Finally, the resolution reinforces the widely held belief that the war in Iraq will not be won through military might alone and shifts the full weight of the United States behind diplomatic efforts.

Rep. Waters added, “House Republicans are in a difficult position. Two weeks ago they brought a phony debate to the floor and accused Democrats of wanting to ‘cut-and-run.’ Over and over they said the Republican plan was to ‘stay the course.’ They said just what Karl Rove told them to say. Now, they find out that President Bush is prepared to adopt the Murtha plan. It looks like the President pulled a cut-and-run on Congressional Republicans.”

ABOUT THE “OUT OF IRAQ” CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS

The “Out of Iraq” Caucus was established on June 16, 2005 to bring to the House of Representatives an on-going debate about the war in Iraq and the Administration’s justification for the decision to go to war, to urge the return of US service members to their families as soon as possible, and to provide a voice in Congress for the individuals and groups who support these efforts.

To accomplish its goals, the “Out of Iraq” Caucus will work with other Congressional Caucuses and national organizations to hold hearings, press conferences and town hall meetings to educate the American people and pressure the Administration to conclude the war in Iraq.

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For a complete comparison of the two plans please visit the US Rep. Waters' website at: http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ca35_waters/PR060626_IraqCaseyPlan.html