New Haven Independent

U.S. Rep Joe Courtney made the remarks at the Willimantic July 4th parade, which traditionallyl welcomes differing points of view. An anti-war contingent organized by Connecticut Opposes the War marched in the parade, to enthusiastic applause and the flashing of peace signs along the route. Pictured are New Haveners Susan Klein and Henry Lowendorf, speaking to a war supporter, on the right. Click here to listen to the “bring the troops home” message the contingent chanted throughout the march.

Courtney, who represents the Second Congressional District, told this reporter that Congress is not just waiting for another vote in the fall on funding for the war.

“It’s not enough to say we’re going to put this off until September,” he said. “That’s what the White House wants us to do, to sort of let this thing disappear in between, so that the pressure that’s out there doesn’t get hammered away at Republican members of Congress — which you need to sort of break through here. And we’re starting to see the cracks. With [Republicans Richard] Lugar and [George] Voinovich coming out now against the surge, the pressure politically [on] Republican members of Congress who’ve been voting with Bush is starting to have an impact. So we’re going to continue to have these votes over the summer, so that people’s feet are going to continue to be put to the fire.”

Courtney, who’s a member of the Armed Services Committee, said Congress will be holding two hearings a week on Iraq, starting next Tuesday. Lawmakers will take up a bill for no permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq and another bill setting a timeline for withdrawal, among others.