Hawai'i's congressmen back troops

Advertiser Staff

Hawai'i's congressmen, for the most part at odds with President Bush in the weeks and months leading up to war, rallied behind the administration and American troops after fighting began last night.

"For now, regardless of our individual views, we all owe our full support to those now placing their well-being and their lives on the line for us," Rep. Ed Case said.

Sen. Daniel Akaka and Rep. Neil Abercrombie, who voted last fall against giving Bush the authority to use military force against Iraq, also voiced support for the U.S. military last night.

"My concerns about the president's policy notwithstanding, I appreciate the patriotism of our troops and their willingness to serve," Abercrombie said.

Akaka made no mention of his earlier opposition to the war in a short statement last night. "I strongly support our troops and will work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have the resources necessary to swiftly and successfully conclude their mission," he said.

Sen. Daniel Inouye did not comment last night. Earlier in the day, he said that while people will rally around the flag, no U.S. president is immune from criticism during wartime.

"I would hope we would not reach a stage when circumstances will literally intimidate the Congress into silence," he said.