Debate on the Iraq war is in a new and inflamed phase today, kicked into overdrive by the hawkish Rep. John Murtha. The Pennsylvania lawmaker, a senior Democratic voice on defense, abandoned his former support of the war. In a statement, Murtha said, “It’s time to bring them [US troops] home.” Murtha’s declaration drew an immediate riposte from Rep. Duncan Hunter, the California Republican who chairs the House Armed Services Committee. “We must hold steady,” said Hunter. “We must endure. We must finish the job in Iraq.” You could catch Murtha and Hunter together in an appearance on the PBS NewsHour.
Active-duty Airmen and Guardians haven’t missed any paychecks yet as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. But with tens of thousands of military spouses working as civilians for the federal government, many families still face financial strain and stress.
