Lois Capps: “I rise in disgust at the level of cynicism that is represented by this resolution. This exercise by the House Republican…”

“I rise in disgust at the level of cynicism that is represented by this resolution. This exercise by the House Republican leadership is about as un- American and contemptuous as it gets. I support Mr. Murtha's resolution to bring about an end to U.S. operations in Iraq in--and I quote--``at the earliest practicable date.'' The resolution before us is not about that. This resolution is a blatant political effort to make it look like the President's Iraq policy has broad support in Congress and among the public--which it obviously does not. Worse, it transforms the sacrifice of our brave troops into crass political exercise. Mr. Speaker, I have opposed this war from the beginning. I wasn't convinced of the need for it and deeply concerned about the potential fallout that it could precipitate. Sadly, many of my concerns have been borne out, as nearly 2,100 brave Americans have lost their lives and many thousands more have been wounded. Today, the insurgency continues unabated and now Iraq is a hotbed of terrorist activity. We are less secure today than before we invaded. As a result, America's position and influence in the world have suffered greatly in the process. I believe it is long past time that the administration produce an exit strategy for Iraq and am deeply disappointed that all we have seen is more of the same arrogance and incompetence that got us here in the first place. I am not surprised by Representative Murtha's statement yesterday. Mr.…”