Pelosi Statement Opposing a War Surtax

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on a proposed income tax surcharge to pay for the war in Iraq:

'During nearly five years of war in Iraq, the President has failed to learn the lesson that war should require shared sacrifice.  He has asked for no sacrifice from the American people -- except from our men and women in uniform and their families -- while adding hundreds of billions of dollars in debt for future generations to repay.

'Some have suggested that shared sacrifice should take the form of a draft; others have suggested a surtax.  Those who oppose a tax and the draft also should oppose the President's war.  Just as I have opposed the war from the outset, I am opposed to a draft and I am opposed to a war surtax.

'The choice is between a Democratic plan for responsible redeployment of our troops and the President's plan for a 10-year war in Iraq.  We must end this war.'