Whip Clyburn on Administration's Benchmark Assessment

From the Democratic Whip:

CLYBURN ON ADMINISTRATION'S BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT REPORT ON IRAQ

Washington, D.C. -- House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today responded to the Bush Administration's Benchmark Assessment Report on Iraq which found that little progress has been made to meet benchmarks for success.

"Between the President's speech last night and today's report on Iraq, it is clear that the President is determined to establish a decades-long presence in Iraq. Despite the clear evidence that the Iraqi government has failed to make the necessary political progress and deliver on 15 of 18 benchmarks outlined by the Bush Administration, the President wants to establish a permanent presence or 'enduring relationship' in Iraq, continuing to sacrifice an unacceptable level of American blood and treasure.

"What's most chilling is the unquestioning support for the President's 10 year commitment by Republicans in Congress. Minority Leader John Boehner calls the cost in American lives and taxpayer dollars a 'small price' to pay in Iraq.

"The loss of American lives is never a small price. The fine line between assistance and dependence has been blurred. The sacrifices made by our men and women and uniform and their families is not being matched by the Iraqi government. It's time to responsibly redeploy our troops and focus on the larger war on terrorism."