Today, the U.S. House is expected to pass a resolution that represents a vote of no confidence in the Bush Administration's plans to escalate the war in Iraq. The language cannot be simpler: Congress supports the troops and opposes the surge.

Some Republicans, however, want more of the same. Congressman Robin Hayes spoke against the resolution on the House floor Wednesday.

This is the same Robin Hayes who said, ""Saddam Hussein and people like him were very much involved in 9/11" When challenged, Hayes said, "I'm sorry, but you must have looked in the wrong places." [CNN, 6/29/2005]

"Republicans in swing districts who don't back the resolution can expect to be attacked in next year's elections. They include Reps. Deborah Pryce of Ohio, Thelma Drake of Virginia and Robin Hayes of North Carolina. Each barely won reelection in November. This vote could end their careers." [Raleigh News & Observer, 2/16/2007]

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek said, "This issue is bigger than partisan politics and I commend Republican Congressmen Walter Jones and Howard Coble for standing up for what's right and speaking in favor of the resolution. For those who want more of the same failed strategy in Iraq, we are not going to wait until they're on the ballot to criticize them. If Robin Hayes wants to 'stay the course' in Iraq and continue to repeat the Bush Administration's rhetoric, he can expect to answer for it--not politically, but to his constituents who have so many family members in harm's way. North Carolina Democrats and Republicans in Congress who are taking a stand are making us proud and I salute them for their courage."

North Carolina Democrats on the House floor this week:

"The time has come to redeploy and reset our force to begin addressing our other challenges around the world and give us an opportunity to repair our relationships with our allies and refocus on the war on terror." Congressman G.K. Butterfield

"I rise tonight in support of this resolution because for 4 years this administration has driven us down the wrong road in Iraq. The administration's newest proposal does nothing more than accelerate our pace further and further away from our obligation of stabilizing Iraq and getting our troops home. Our men and women in uniform have performed bravely and done everything asked of them. Yet, 4 years into this conflict, we have our troops driving unarmored humvees in enemy territory." Congressman Heath Shuler

"As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I am committed to supporting our troops and making sure that they have the resources they need. I always have and I always will. There is no debate about supporting our troops...We need to be moving toward a successful conclusion in Iraq; not with a timetable, but with definite benchmarks of accountability that are meant to ensure that the Iraqis are taking control of their own security and future. The Iraqi army, the national police and the local police in Iraq must take responsibility for their own country and communities, and only by lessening the American footprint in Iraq will we empower the Iraqi people to take responsibility for their own self-governance and ultimately their own destiny." Congressman Mike McIntyre

"In most respects, what the President has proposed is business as usual, simply under a different name. It did not work before and there is little prospect that it will work this time. Madam Speaker, this Resolution is our attempt to make it clear that we do not support a troop increase or an escalation of this War. I intend to vote for the Resolution. I just hope the President is listening." Congressman Mel Watt

"There cannot be a simply military solution to the challenges that we, and the Iraqi people, face in Iraq. The size of our military presence will not make the difference, because any solution to Iraq's problems will still be political, not military." Congressman David Price

"Regardless if one terms the President's announced change in policy a surge or an escalation or an augmentation, the so-called new plan can be summed up in four words: more of the same." Congressman Bob Etheridge