SCHAKOWSKY VOTES AGAINST REPUBLICAN EMBARRASSINGLY INADEQUATE RESOLUTION ON IRAQI PRISONERS ABUSE

MAY 6, 2004

SCHAKOWSKY VOTES AGAINST REPUBLICAN "EMBARRASSINGLY INADEQUATE" RESOLUTION
ON IRAQI PRISONERS ABUSE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today issued the following statement in opposition to a non-binding Congressional Resolution on the abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

The text of Schakowsky's statement is below:

"This resolution is embarrassingly inadequate. It is a pathetic attempt by the Republicans to deflect attention from the failed leadership of the Bush Administration.

"Like all Americans, I am disgusted by the abuse and violence committed by U.S. soldiers and private military contractors against Iraqi prisoners. But unlike Republicans in Congress and President Bush, I am committed to holding those in charge of our military and foreign policy responsible, not just a few individuals.

"It is a disgrace to every American and a humiliation to every Iraqi that President Bush has refused to take responsibility. Clearly, the theory of the 'buck stops here' is no longer in effect. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is still serving even though it is clear that he has failed miserably in Iraq.

"President Bush must fire Donald Rumsfeld immediately and demonstrate to the world that America is prepared to take whatever steps necessary to right the wrongs that occurred in Iraq. Every day that President Bush delays action, our soldiers are put in even greater danger.

"All Democrats support our troops, but it is the performance of the Commander-in-Chief that is in question."

Earlier this week, Schakowsky had called on President Bush to immediately suspend all contracts with private military firms involved in the supervision, security or interrogation of Iraqi prisoners. Contractors were involved in illegal abuse of Iraqi prisoners, yet the resolution passed by the House fails to mention private military firms or private contractors.