Sheila Jackson Lee: * should call Congress back in session, RE: Iraq

PRESS CONFERENCE - TODAY

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE: PRESIDENT BUSH SHOULD CALL CONGRESS BACK IN SESSION TO ADDRESS THE DIRE SITUATION IN IRAQ

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS IRAQ "AN UNFOLDING INFERNO"

PRESIDENT BUSH IS OFFERING A "BAIT AND SWITCH" SOLUTION TO THE IRAQ PROBLEM

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE WANTS TO SAVE LIVES


WHO: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
WHAT: Congresswoman Jackson Lee to speak on war in Iraq
WHEN: 3:30pm
WHERE: 1919 Smith Street - Houston, TX



BACKGROUND: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and a member of the Out of Iraq Caucus released the following statement in response to President Bush' press conference today relating to the Administrations failed policy in Iraq:

"The President's decision to abandon his 'stay the course' slogan is utterly meaningless so long as he clings to his misguided, ineffective and unrealistic 'stay the course' policy. It is clear from the President's statements today that the President has no intention of changing course or taking a NEW DIRECTION that could lead to success in Iraq.

"According to General Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, confirmed that staying the course that U.S. means it will be in Iraq for at least another 12 to 18 months before the Iraqis will be able to provide security for their country. With the war in Iraq now lasting longer than America's involvement in World War II and U.S. casualties continuing to mount, this is simply unacceptable.

"President Bush and the Republican Rubber-Stamp Congress are the only ones in the country who still believe we should 'stay the course' in Iraq, although their consultants have advised them not to use those words.

"At the same time President Bush is saluting "progress" in Iraq, the level of violence continues to spiral out of control. We lost 65 U.S. troops in Iraq in August, 70 in September, and 89 have already been killed so far in October - the highest monthly total since November 2004. Further, the rate of U.S. troops being wounded has also escalated. Since September 1, more than 1,300 U.S. military personnel have been wounded.

"No matter what slogans are used to describe it, the President's Iraq policy has been a dismal failure. It is long past time for a new direction in Iraq."

###

Carmen H. Mandujano

District Counsel

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

18th Congressional District

1919 Smith, Suite 1180

Houston, TX 77002

:applause:

instead of the Abramoff-Delay model, they wouldn't be facing the electoral debacle they currently face.

She's strictly top-drawer.

with her on this. I wish the idea of Congress returning to session would get some legs; would really point out what a failure dimson is.