Kucinich Calls for U.S. to Get Out of Iraq Now

Noting that more U.S. troops have now been killed during the occupation of Iraq than died during the initial invasion, U.S. Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-Ohio), called on the White House to end U.S. military operations in Iraq and bring our troops home. Kucinich has been a leader among members of Congress who oppose the war against Iraq. Click the “Read more” link below for Rep. Kucinich’s complete statement.

Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), a leader in the House in the opposition to the war against Iraq, issued the following statement this evening on the Iraq Supplemental Conference Report:

“Late tonight, we will vote on the Iraq Supplemental Conference Report which will continue to fund a failed policy. Supporting this bill is not about supporting the troops. Supporting this bill is supporting the continued occupation of Iraq by the United States. If we truly want to support the troops, we should bring them home.

“We need to acknowledge that the continued U.S. presence in Iraq is counterproductive. Every day that we are inside Iraq, the situation gets progressively worse, as evidenced by the frequent and more sophisticated attacks on our troops. More US troops have died occupying Iraq, than died in the war for Iraq.

“We need to recognize that at this point, continuing the U.S. occupation is counterproductive as it is a contributing cause for instability. This is why we need to get the U.S. out and the United Nations in.

“To approve a budget busting $87 billion for the reconstruction of Iraq would be to throw good money after bad at a failed policy.

“I am not suggesting that we just cut and run. But, we must begin the process of getting the UN in and the US out. The U.S. must pay for the rebuilding of all that we damaged in the invasion, compensate the Iraqi victims, and contribute to future UN efforts.

“The US must bring the troops home! End the occupation of Iraq!” [Rep. Kucinich press release]

Note: The Iraq Supplemental Spending bill calls for the expenditure of some $87 billion to continue U.S. military operations in Iraq.

Also See: Iraq Attack: Aggression or Self-Defense?