GOP resolution politicizes war, Democrats say ("bait-and-switch")

http://washingtontimes.com/national/20060614-115013-2680r.htm

GOP resolution politicizes war, Democrats say


House Democrats are accusing Republicans of politicizing the upcoming debate on the Iraq war, saying the majority party has pulled a bait-and-switch by focusing the debate on terrorism instead of about Iraq policy as promised.

Lawmakers today will spend 10 hours discussing a Republican-authored resolution that, among other things, asserts that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein posed a threat to global peace and declares that the United States is "committed to the completion of the mission to create a sovereign, free, secure and united Iraq." No amendments will be allowed.

"It is inexcusable and indefensible that at a time when we should be discussing the details of (Iraq) policy that they come up with a political document designed for a political message, a political spin and political debate at a time when our men and women are in harm's way," said Rep. Martin T. Meehan, Massachusetts Democrat and Armed Services Committee member.

Rep. Lynn Woolsey, California Democrat, called it a "pointless" debate that is "long on rhetoric and short on solution."