Larson: Strip Bush of his war power to wage war

REP. LARSON REAFFIRMS REVOKING PRESIDENT’S AUTHORITY TO WAGE WAR 

WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) issued the following statement regarding legislation introduced by Senator Hillary Rodham-Clinton and Senator Robert Byrd yesterday that would revoke the President’s authority to wage war:

“I am pleased that my colleagues in the Senate have raised the issue of revoking President Bush’s authority to wage war.  The President callously and carelessly entered this war.  Clearly, things have gotten worse and not better. We cannot afford to have a President that continues to abuse his authority and not listen to the Congress or the will of the American people.  Taking this action would be another important step to keep the pressure on the President.   Congress also needs to look to address the Congressional War Powers Act to ensure that this kind of an abuse of power never occurs again.  In March, I introduced similar legislation in the House and hope that we can work together to take this critical step that can aid in ending this war.”

Rep. John Larson blasts Bush on veto

I think John Larson, our congressman, is right in pushing for an end to this war. Bush needs to compromise so we can pull out with at least some honor and dignity intact. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2007

LARSON STATEMENT ON BUSH VETO OF IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

 WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement recognizing the four year anniversary of President Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and President Bush’s veto this afternoon of the Iraq Accountability Act.

“Four years ago today the President wrongly declared victory in Iraq. Four years later, thousands of lives lost, and billions of dollars spent, we still find ourselves in the midst of a quagmire in Iraq—and the situation is getting worse, not better. Yet, tonight, the President chose to veto the Iraq Accountability Act that would forge a new direction in Iraq, fund our troops at a greater level than the President requested, honor our commitment to our returning veterans, but most importantly start to bring our troops home in a safe and responsible way.

“This past November the American people sent us a strong message for change in Iraq. Unfortunately, through his veto President Bush has been derelict in his duty by allowing his own hubris and arrogance to trump the will of the American people. As long as this majority is in the House of Representatives, the President will not receive a blank check for a failed stay-the-course policy that sends our troops into harms way to police a sectarian civil war. It’s time for a new direction, not more of the same. Democrats stand ready to work with the President and Congressional Republicans to find common ground and create a new direction in Iraq.”

Congressman Larson is currently serving his fifth term representing the 1st District of Connecticut. He is also Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.