Washington, D.C.   -   In response to the president’s speech on Iraq strategy, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) released the following statement:

“While I applaud the president’s reassessment of U.S.-Iraq policy, I stated earlier today that I did not support an expansion in American troop strength on the ground.  Nothing in his speech tonight has caused me to reconsider my position.

“As I noted earlier today, the proposed surge in U.S. troops does not by itself present a clear and convincing plan to achieve U.S. goals in Iraq and, in my view, would only further complicate the current problems.

“I’ve long advocated that our country reduce its footprint in Iraq. We must move to establish a benchmark based plan for systematically withdrawing troops while encouraging the Iraqi government to rebuild their economy and take full responsibility for their own national security.”

Earlier today, English joined a group of House lawmakers in urging the president to reject an escalation in U.S. troops in his Iraq strategy plan. 

To view the letter visit: http://www.house.govsurge0107.html

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