House Turns its Back on NH Military

Calling it the “saddest day of his life as a legislator,” House Republican Leader Mike Whalley today joined nearly 150 of his Republican colleagues in formally protesting a House vote opposing President George W. Bush’s Iraq policy.

“The Democrats in this House have clearly put politics above the interests of the men and women of this state who have put their lives on the line while serving in Iraq ,” said Whalley.  “With members of the military looking on from the House gallery, we embarrassed ourselves by passing a House Resolution that will have serious and detrimental effect on our soldiers deployed today, as well as our current veterans,” added Whalley.

In an attempt to amend the resolution to better reflect the testimony given by New Hampshire citizens, House Republicans proposed an amendment which was also rebuffed by the Democratic majority. The amendment, supported by the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs committee, would continue to support the troops while asking the President and Congress to fully fund veterans’ medical needs, as well as the need to pursue diplomatic avenues to end the present war in Iraq .

With nearly 100 bills important to New Hampshire families, taxpayers and the business community, waited to be acted upon, the Democratic majority led a lengthy debate that, in the end, resulted in a toothless resolution that can only serve to undermine NH troops’ serving in Iraq .

Rep. Pamela Coughlin, a member of the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs committee, whose husband is serving his second tour of duty in Iraq , pleaded with her colleagues to support the committee amendment. “We sacrifice here at home with our husbands, wives, sons, daughters and neighbors.  At the same time our NH soldiers are sacrificing with their very lives overseas.  We should be encouraging our Congressional Delegation to support veterans’ benefits and expediting improvements to veterans’ facilities and not sending the wrong message,” she added.

“The Democrat majority has only accomplished lowering troop morale and empowering our enemies with this resolution. Military leaders make military decisions and politicians should stay out of it,” concluded Whalley.