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Rep. Jim McDermott Supports Rep. John Murtha's Iraq Plan
For Immediate Release - November 17, 2005

(WASHINGTON, DC) Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA) today strongly endorsed Rep. John Murtha's call for beginning the immediate redeployment of U.S. soldiers out of Iraq.

"There is no other Member of Congress who more ably represents the conscience of America than Democrat Rep. John Murtha, a decorated combat veteran and a staunch supporter of America's defense," McDermott said. "When Rep. John Murtha speaks out on Iraq, he is the voice of the American people. They want U.S. soldiers out of harms' way now, and I completely agree."

Earlier today, Rep. Murtha held a news conference and told reporters it was time to bring U.S. soldiers home, calling the war in Iraq a "flawed policy wrapped in illusion."

Given Mr. Murtha's stature in the Congress, strong bi-partisan leadership and long history of strong U.S. defense policies, McDermott said the remarks will reverberate across the country and around the world.

McDermott, a long time opponent of the Iraq War, said a decision to leave Iraq to the Iraqi people is the right thing to do and Americans know it.

"The American people are defending U.S. soldiers by demanding the Administration stop pretending and start redeploying," McDermott said.

McDermott expressed his respect and admiration for the courageous stand taken by Rep. Murtha today, and he believes that Mr. Murtha's eloquent words will resonate with the American people, even as the White House tries its usual political attack response.

The Seattle Democrat added: "America should be strong on defense, not strong-armed on a defenseless war by this President and Vice President."