Media

Today on NBC's Meet the Press, Rep. John Murtha (PA-12) outlined the troop protections, already in place in the military, that Democrats want to see enforced in order to ease the strain on our troops, prevent the army from breaking as many have warned against, and address the readiness crisis that our military is now facing.

"For Pelosi, the initiative meshes with an environmentalist legacy that she seems keen on shaping."

The resignation of Secretary Harvey over the substandard conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center is further evidence of the Administration's inability to competently discharge its responsibilities to those most deserving of the nation's attention. Whether it is in the failure to respond effectively to the needs of hurricane victims on the Gulf Coast or the needs of our troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Administration's actions do not reflect the level of performance the American people have a right to expect of their government.

Today the Oversight Committee issued their first subpoena, which is in regard to the terrible conditions at Walter Reed's outpatient facility. Chairman Henry Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman John Tierney also wrote a letter to Major General Weightman.

From the Oversight and Government Reform Committee:

Committee Subpoenas Former Head of Walter Reed Hospital to Testify

Chairman Henry A. Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman John Tierney sent a letter to Major General George W. Weightman, former Commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, regarding the privatization of support services at Walter Reed and its impact on the conditions at Walter Reed. In addition, the Committee is issuing a subpoena to compel Major General Weightman to appear before the Committee on Monday, March 5.

Just out from the Army Times:

Ex-Walter Reed chief to face Congress Monday

Rick Maze, Army Times - March 2, 2007

The Walter Reed Army Medical Center scandal involving the living conditions, medical treatment and retirement process of wounded combat veterans will be the subject of five congressional hearings next week, including one on Monday that is expected to include testimony from the hospital commander who was relieved Thursday.

Army Maj. Gen. George Weightman, who since August had been the hospital commander and also head of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command, is one of the witnesses scheduled to appear Monday before the House subcommittee as it holds a hearing in the Walter Reed auditorium.

Speaker Pelosi testified before the Science Committee last month explaining, "for twelve years, the leadership in the House of Representatives stifled all discussion and debate of global warming. That long rejection of reality is over, to the relief of Members on both sides of the aisle." Addressing global warming and protecting the environment are vital to protecting the health of all Americans, particularly our children. For the sake of our future generations, America must provide strong leadership to reduce emissions that are responsible for global warming. Increasing use of renewable energy sources, including biofuels, and energy efficiency will help reduce emissions, protecting future generations from this global threat. And as they say, change starts at home.