Washington, DC – Congressman William J. Jefferson (D-La.) today delivered a statement on the U.S. House of Representatives’ Floor that expressed his support of a bi-partisan resolution. The proposal encourages the on-going support of American troops currently serving in Iraq, and rejects President Bush’s idea of sending an additional 21,500 troops to the war-torn country.

Congressman Jefferson said, “We are straining our troops and our military and financial resources beyond all reasonable limits.  We are decimating our National Guard strength at a time when we have more than enough disasters here at home to which we must attend.”

“At a time when Louisiana needs the support of our National Guard, 47% of the National Guard strength of our state is in Iraq. At a time when New Orleans residents struggle to rebuild following the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history, and following deadly tornadoes just 2 days ago, we need National Guard troops here at home to fight crime in our streets and to keep our people safe.”

“Let’s not continue to make matters worse at home and abroad by pursuing a policy in Iraq that cannot work, that has not worked and that simply cannot be justified”, Jefferson said.