Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on the President’s veto of the Supplemental Appropriations bill:
“Today the President failed our troops, our veterans and the American people by refusing to heed the call for a change of course in Iraq. His stubborn refusal to accept the facts on the ground and the desires of the majority of the American people is deeply disappointing.
“Today Congress gave the President an opportunity to finally change course. The bill we sent him provides a new path forward in Iraq, enhanced support for our troops, desperately needed care for veterans, and a lifeline to farmers and victims of Hurricane Katrina.
“By vetoing this bill the President has denied both the will of Congress and the needs of the American people.
“Last November, the American people called for an end to the rubber stamp Congress. We have honored their call.
“It is now up to the President to come to the negotiating table and provide the American people with a real strategy for success. The responsibility for providing a workable solution to the problems in Iraq lies squarely on his shoulders.
“It is frustrating that we are so far into this war and the President continues to hide from facts, reject sound advice, and go it alone. In fact, the date of today’s veto is a sad and poignant reminder of that history of incompetence.
“Four years ago today the President stood among our troops to declare an end to combat operations in Iraq. Now he stands alone in denying them the support and leadership they need.”