Topeka, KS (February 1, 2007) – Today, after a hearing in the Federal and State Affairs Committee, several members representing the local Olathe delegation to the Kansas Legislature issued a statement regarding Senate Concurrent Resolution 1605, offered by Senator Donald Betts (D – Wichita). The resolution, which criticizes United States involvement in Iraq, calls on the Congress to prohibit the President from increasing troops in Iraq, and includes a provision calling on the Congress to cut off funds for the effort.

In response, Senators Julia Lynn and Karin Brownlee, and Representatives Lance Kinzer, Arlen Siegfreid, Anthony Brown, Mike Kiegerl, Rob Olson and Benjamin Hodge, issued the following joint statement:

“With all due respect to Senator Betts, we object to his resolution criticizing United States involvement in Iraq and calling on the Congress to cut off funds for our troops battling against those who seek to do our nation harm. At a time when our troops need the full support of their elected officials, it is inappropriate for our state to take a stance against our President and our nation’s involvement in the war against terror. While the situation in Iraq is a difficult one and we recognize the range of strong and differing opinions on the course of events it is outside the scope of our responsibility as legislators to call upon the Congress to cut off funds for our troops in Iraq. We trust the President and the military to make appropriate decisions which are in the best interest of our troops.

Senators Lynn and Brownlee, both members of the Federal and State Affairs Committee, where the resolution was heard, organized the joint statement to communicate the view of the local delegation.

“As a delegation, we want to communicate publicly our support and deep gratitude for our military and President Bush, and the critical role they have," said Brownlee.

“It is unfortunate that this resolution is even up for consideration. As elected officials, we should refrain from introducing resolutions that have no real effect other than to throw political darts with the real potential of demoralizing our troops. I felt we needed to make it clear where we stood, in light of this inappropriate resolution,” said Lynn.

The text of SCR 1605 is available online at www.kslegislature.org.

Back to "Media Releases"