Rep. Hank Johnson's Statement on Gen. Petraeus' Testimony

Statement

Addressing General Petraeus' testimony today before the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Hank Johnson said the following:

"While I continue to honor and appreciate General Petraeus' service, his testimony today was more of the same. Conditions on the ground in Iraq continue to deteriorate with increased violence in the Green Zone. The military reports that the number of attacks against civilians and security forces in Baghdad more than doubled in March over the previous month. Yet, Congress and the American people are asked to close our eyes to reality, place our faith in the President, and, of course, to send more troops and spend more taxpayer money.

America is paying a high price as Iraq runs a budget surplus and supplies oil to the world at record prices. This thinking is unacceptable and it is imperative that we change course as soon as is responsibly possible."