Democratic radio address by VT Cong. candidate: "Rubber Stamp Congress"

[DeepModem Mom]

Democrats: 'Rubber Stamp Congress'
June 3, 2006



(CNN) -- A Vermont Democrat running for Congress said the Bush administration has "no clear strategy for success" in Iraq and that the "Republican 'Rubber Stamp Congress' has failed to do its duty when it comes to the oversight of this administration."

State Sen. Peter Welch, the fourth congressional candidate this year to deliver the Democratic weekly radio address, said "the American people have had enough and it is long past time to change course."

"We must ensure that 2006 is a year of significant transition to full Iraqi sovereignty," Welch said. "We must establish clear benchmarks for the Iraqis to take care of their own country and defend themselves, so that we can transition our troops out and move to fight a smarter war on terrorism -- including doing a better job of securing our ports and our borders."

"Congress has a responsibility to ensure accountability for the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on the Iraq war," Welch said. "Instead of allowing our government to be over-billed by companies like Halliburton, Congress should practice genuine congressional oversight and investigate the way the Bush administration doles out contracts."

Welch is seeking the post to be vacated by Rep. Bernie Sanders, an independent now running for the U.S. Senate....

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/06/03/dems.radio/index.html