ASSEMBLY PASSES GUSCIORA, STANLEY MEASURE OPPOSING BUSH'S IRAQ TROOP ESCALATION

Republicans Fail to Provide Support or Side with New Jersey in Opposing Bush Strategy

(TRENTON) - The Assembly today passed legislation Assemblymen Reed Gusciora and Craig Stanley sponsored to express strong opposition to President Bush's troops surge in Iraq.

The measure (AR-246) passed without support from a single Republican, all of whom sat silent during debate and all of whom failed to cast a vote on the resolution.

"The President's troop surge is not a new policy - it is the same 'stay the course' approach on steroids," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "This measure was not about debating whether the war was warranted or who should be blamed for faulty intelligence or how the war was managed. Rather this measure is to show solidarity with the overwhelming number of New Jersey residents who oppose the troop surge and who want to protect the troops who have fought bravely and made our country proud."

Stanley (D-Essex) called the Bush troop surge a "flawed policy" that is costing military lives, undermining our economy, and eroding resources for other governmental priorities.

"The hundreds of billions of dollars being wasted in Iraq could have provided health care insurance for more than 200 million children a year," said Stanley. "Or we could have provided more than 17 million students full four-year college scholarships. This war is costing all of us dearly with each passing day."

The Assemblymen noted the global war on terror, of which the war in Iraq is a part, has already had a significant impact on the servicemen and women from New Jersey and their families.

Over 6,000 state Army and Air National Guard and Reserve troops have been deployed, 83 service personnel have been killed, and many more have been injured.

They said the surge will affect 159 members of the New Jersey National Guard currently stationed in Iraq. Members of the 117th Reconnaissance Surveillance Target Acquisition Unit and the 250th Brigade Support Battalion will now be returning home to New Jersey in July or August instead of March or April.

The United States has already committed 132,000 armed forces personnel to the war in Iraq and by escalating troop levels by 21,500, the total will reach 153,500, at a cost of $5.6 billion.

"The president's 'surge' comes at a time when a rising numbers of New Jerseyans are expressing opposition to the war," said Gusciora.

"For nearly four years, we have watched our Armed Forces perform their duty to our country bravely and without complaint," said Stanley. "For nearly four years, we have watched the anxiety of military families rise as the levels of violence and death tolls in Iraq creep ever higher."

The Assembly passed the measure 43 to 0. The resolution will be filed with the Secretary of State and copies will be sent to the President and members of the state's congressional delegation.

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