WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Congressman Speaks About The President's Plan for Iraq

Congressman Speaks About The President's Plan for Iraq

On Wednesday, President Bush will outline his new strategy for Iraq--sending 20-thousand more troops to the country's most troubled areas. The plan has caused quite a bit of controversy, even though the President hasn't even formally presented it.

"He's not done this very easily. I think he's made a study of it and he knows a whole lot more about it than I do, and I'm behind him," said Columbus resident Helen Berenthien.

At least one military veteran think it's the wrong choice.

"This thing should be closing down and should've been closed down, and never even started. So, we don't need any more over there to be murdered or killed," said William Speakman, a U.S. Army veteran.

The President's announcement has also already caught the attention of members of Congress, including U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop, who spoke at a Martin Luther King, Jr. service in Columbus Monday night.  Bishop says his biggest concern is the safety of U.S. soldiers.

"I need to weigh all of the factors," said Bishop, a Democrat who represents Georgia's Second District. "There are a lot of very learned military people who feel that to put in an additional 20,000 troops will just add 20,000 additional targets, which is of some concern."

In addition, the 100-billion dollar price tag is already facing opposition from many on Capitol Hill. Congressman Bishop says the potential outcome of the plan had better be worth the sacrifice.

"I would hope that on Wednesday the President will be able to make a strong, at least stronger than I've heard so far, that the the additional surge of troops will make a difference in the outcome," Bishop said.

President Bush is scheduled to address the nation Wednesday night at 9:00 eastern, 8:00 central time. That address will be carried live on WTVM News Leader Nine.