Other legislators say it is time to send a message to the President that offers the feelings of the majority of the people of Oregon.
(SALEM) - House Republicans joined Democrats in the passage of a bill today that aligns Oregon with other states slowly but surely withdrawing support from the Iraq War. The vote in the House to approve House Joint Memorial 9-A was 33-25.
HJR 9-A opposes the war in Iraq and urges President Bush to reconsider the expansion of troop levels in Iraq, and it urges Congress to halt further funding for the war's escalation.
Vicki Berger(R) of Salem and Brian Boquist(R) of Dallas broke party ranks by siding with the Democrats like Diane Rosenbaum(D) of Portland, in passing the legislation that many say sends a strong message about the growingly unpopular war that has claimed more than 3,200 lives to date.
That doesn't sit well with House Republican Leader Wayne Scott(R) of Canby.
He says HJM 9 is nothing more than an effort to position House Republicans for the 2008 campaign.
“HJM 9 doesn’t accomplish anything; it is only fodder for the next campaign, plain and simple,” Rep. Scott said. “I urge House Democrats to get to work on the education budget, State Police funding and other issues that the Legislature has the power to resolve.”
Rep. Scott also expressed his disappointment over the message that today’s vote sends to our troops and their families. “I’m concerned that the House’s action on HJM 9 calls into question the dedication and sacrifices of our service members and their loved ones. As a Vietnam War veteran, I know from personal experience how important public support is to maintaining troop morale,” Rep. Scott said.
Other legislators say it is time to send a message to the President that offers the feelings of the majority of the people of Oregon.
Oregon House Republicans Sore Over Anti-War BillSalem-News.com