English to support resolution

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican Rep. Phil English, of Pennsylvania's 3rd District, said Wednesday he plans to support a Democratic-led House resolution that expresses opposition to President Bush's plan to add 20,000 troops in Iraq.
English called the resolution narrow and inadequate, but he said he decided he will vote in favor of it Friday because he's "skeptical of the president's specific tactic of launching a surge at this point."
The congressman from Erie said he would have preferred to vote on a resolution that expresses a commitment to moving forward with the fight against terrorism. He said he supports adopting some parts of the Iraq Study Group's proposed recommendations, such as engaging in more diplomatic action in the Mideast.
He said it must be made clear to the Iraqi people that the United States does not have an open-ended commitment to the country.
"I believe it is time for Iraq's government and security forces to step forward and bear primary responsibility for internal security," English said.
English spoke on the second of a four-day debate on Iraq war policy. The House was primarily divided among partisan lines on the issue, with Democrats backing the resolution and Republicans opposing it. English and other members, however, have said they plan to cross party lines.
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