WASHINGTON D.C., Jan. 17, 2007 – Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues the following statement today in support of Congressman John Murtha’s hearings on the Iraq war, and proposals in Congress to end American involvement:

“I commend Congressman John Murtha for once again demonstrating real leadership concerning our failed policies in Iraq by showing a way to disengage from this disastrous civil war. I fully support the hearings he has launched today as Chairman of the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. 

“Congressman Murtha has been blunt and forthright as he points out how our failure to redeploy in Iraq adversely affects our military readiness and the strategic reserve of our military. He correctly describes how the President, in his speech last week, provided no credible benchmarks, no way to measure military or economic success of a foolish escalation, and no real incentive for the Iraqis to take over.

“I continue to advocate a plan for peace in the region that would call on neighboring Arab states, under the authority of the United Nations, to take over peacekeeping in Iraq.

“I will be listed as an original co-sponsor of the bill to be introduced by Congresswomen Barbara Lee and Lynn C. Woolsey, ‘The Bring Our Troops Home and Iraq Sovereignty Act.’  This legislation would bring our troops home and restore real Iraqi sovereignty within six months of enactment.

 “The American people have spoken. A growing majority in the Congress, on both sides of the aisle, are hearing those voices. Congress must use its power of the purse to rein in the failed policies of a President who refuses to listen.”