WASHINGTON -- January 25 -- Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), a leader in the House of Representatives against the war in Iraq, released the following statement in response to news reports that the Administration will request an additional $80 billion dollars for the war in Iraq:

"Congress should reject the Administration's request for an additional $80 billion in funds for the war in Iraq. The Administration's entire case for the war has now been debunked, Iraq is on the verge of a civil war, and the Administration still refuses to admit any mistakes.

"American troops and American taxpayers are footing the bill for a war that was never needed, and a war that is counterproductive to the security interests of our nation. No weapons of mass destruction have been found in Iraq and the 9-11 Commission has determined that Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with the September 11th attacks or the Al Qaeda terrorist network.

"The war in Iraq and the subsequent occupation has been a failure. Iraq is on the verge of a civil war, and the attacks on US soldiers and innocent Iraqi citizens by insurgents are becoming more brazen and deadly by the day. Iraq has now become a breeding ground for terrorism.

"The Administration has no exit strategy. Iraqi elections, while an important step, will not bring an end to the US occupation of Iraq, and will not bring our soldiers home.
"This Congress will fail at its most basic of duties if it serves as nothing more than a rubber stamp of this Administration's polices.
"Congress should reject this Supplemental request, along with the Administration's failed policy in Iraq, and work to bring our soldiers home."

###