Rep. Watson Supports Our Troops, Opposes Republicans Playing Politics With War
March 21, 2003
U.S. Representative Diane E. Watson (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement in response to H. Con. Res. 104:
“As our troops endure the risks of battle in Iraq, we send to them our thoughts and prayers for their success and safe return. This is a time for all Americans to join in sending a clear message of support for our men and women in uniform.
“That is why I am saddened and angered that the House Republican leaders would abuse an opportunity to show our troops support in order to make an overtly political statement. Rather than introduce a simple bill supporting our troops, House Republicans forced us to vote up or down on a resolution that endorses the President’s mishandling of diplomacy and heedless march toward war.
“The resolution passed last night could have been used to send a unanimous show of support to our brave men and women in uniform. Instead, House Republicans hijacked this resolution for their selfish political purposes.
“I support the troops. But I will not be coerced into endorsing the President’s failure to resolve the Iraq dispute peacefully. We are not at war because it is necessary. We are at war because the President failed to find a diplomatic solution to this problem.
“I wish our troops success, and I pray for their safe return, as well as a quick end to this conflict with a minimum amount of suffering or loss for all involved.”