Bill Text: GA SR1489 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: U.S. Navy; urged to rescind its decision to name a ship after the late Rep. John Murtha
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 6-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-04-21 - Senate Read Second Time [SR1489 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2009-SR1489-Introduced.html
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Senate
Resolution 1489
By:
Senators Douglas of the 17th, Rogers of the 21st, Williams of the 19th, Carter
of the 1st, Mullis of the 53rd and others
A
RESOLUTION
Urging
the United States Navy to rescind its decision to name a ship after the late
Representative John Murtha; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the United States Navy has announced it will be naming its newest San
Antonio-class amphibious transport-dock LPD 26 for the late Representative John
Murtha; and
WHEREAS,
five years ago, Representative Murtha accused United States Marines of murdering
Iraqi civilians "in cold blood"; and
WHEREAS,
Representative Murtha, the powerful Democratic Chairman of the House Defense
Appropriations Subcommittee, was an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq
war; and
WHEREAS,
San Antonio-class ships support Marines; can carry roughly 700 troops, their
equipment, and vehicles; and are usually named after cities; and
WHEREAS,
not only will naming this naval ship after Representative Murtha break from
tradition, it will serve as a slap in the face to service men and women who
fight to protect this nation's freedom and liberty; and
WHEREAS,
although Representative Murtha voted to authorize President George W. Bush to
use military force in Iraq in 2002, he called for the immediate withdrawal of
United States troops from Iraq in November, 2005; and
WHEREAS,
in 2005, Representative Murtha accused eight Marines of murdering Iraqi
civilians in Haditha after a Marine died and two were wounded in a roadside
bomb; and
WHEREAS,
since his damaging accusations, charges against six of the Marines have been
dropped, one Marine was acquitted, and one Marine will stand military trial in
September on reduced charges of voluntary manslaughter; and
WHEREAS,
Representative Murtha unfairly handed down a guilty verdict for these eight
Marines before an investigation was concluded, tarnishing these distinguished
members of the military's reputation and fueling enemy retaliation efforts
during a time of war.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body urge the
United States Navy to rescind its decision to name a ship after the late
representative John Murtha.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to each member of the Georgia
congressional delegation.
