Congressman Joe Wilson

"After a leading Al-Qaeda terrorist recently stated that his goal was to expel Americans from Iraq, it is reckless for Congressman Murtha and House Democrats to agree with Zawahiri that the United States should withdraw our troops from Iraq before they complete their mission. Instead of proposing winning solutions for the Global War on Terrorism, Democrats are throwing up their hands and waving the white flag of surrender. Democrats have no positive agenda, no vision, and no sense of leadership. As our brave men and women in uniform continue to protect our country, Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha, and other Democrats should not embolden our enemy.

"As a Veteran and the father of a son who served in Iraq, I know that our troops are making tremendous progress in establishing a civil society and completing their mission. Republicans recognize that we will either face the terrorists on the streets of Iraq or we will face them in our own country. President Bush and House Republicans remain committed to protecting American families."

Congressman David Dreier

"I have the utmost respect for Jack Murtha and his service to our country, but I believe his call today for immediate troop withdrawal is absolutely wrong. Frankly, I am baffled by it. The truth is, while our campaign in Iraq has not been without difficulty, it has not been without success either. We have an exit strategy for victory that is two fold: helping to establish a stable Iraqi government and the training and equipping of Iraqi security forces. We are making substantial progress on both fronts.

"The January elections and the constitutional referendum in October have demonstrated incredible levels of political participation amongst the Iraqi people. Another election is less than a month away and it will put in place a new Iraqi government. On the security front, we have more than 200,000 Iraqi security forces in various stages of training. Many are fighting alongside our Marines in Operation Steel Curtain right now. Together, they are rooting out and killing terrorists.

"To abruptly pull out our troops now would send the worst possible signal to the terrorists, other governments in the region, the Iraqi people, and most important - our troops. We are proud of their efforts. We are grateful for their sacrifice. And we have the utmost confidence in their ability to fight and complete this vital mission. This is not a game, and it should not be a political issue. I would hope that my Democratic colleagues would refrain from further dismissing the accomplishments of our troops and start channeling their considerable energy into supporting victory rather than defeat."

Congresswoman Kay Granger

"Calling for immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq is reprehensible and irresponsible. It shows the Democratic Party has chosen a policy of retreat and defeatism which will only encourage the terrorists and threaten the stability of Iraq. This is a policy unacceptable to the safety and security of this country. Today's comments should send an enormous red flag to the American public."