Isle delegates lambaste Bush for stubbornness
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Urban Oahu:
"Through their elected voice in Congress, the American people are saying, 'Enough is enough!' President Bush may act as if the war in Iraq just began with the latest surge of U.S. troops. But 3,300 American dead, 30,000 wounded and half a trillion dollars are testament to the terrible cost of an ideologically born, poorly thought-out and badly managed military adventure. After four years, the public has said clearly that they've had enough. And, accordingly, the House of Representatives voted today to approve the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act."
» "If President Bush chooses to veto this legislation, he will turn his back on his own benchmarks for the performance of the Iraqi government, on his own readiness standards for U.S. troops and on reality."
U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Rural Oahu, Neighbor Islands:
"The president has lost touch with reality. Despite the increasing violence reported by the military, more deadly bombings and more Americans being killed, including nine brave soldiers in one attack, he claims that his surge is working."
» "This report fully funds our troops and sends a clear message to the Iraqi government that American forces will not be there forever. It also sends an unmistakable message to the president that it is time to change course as the American people and a growing number of military leaders are demanding."
» "If the president does decide to veto this bill, it will be he alone that denies our troops the resources that they deserve."