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Lawmaker's War Remarks Anger GOP

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The Associated Press

Published: October 19, 2007

WASHINGTON - A House Democrat accused Republicans on Thursday of sending troops to Iraq to 'get their heads blown off for the president's amusement.'

The outburst from Rep. Pete Stark as the House debated a children's health bill drew immediate condemnation from Republicans who demanded he retract it.

Instead Stark, known for his liberal views and volatile temperament, issued a statement saying Republicans should apologize for voting against an expansion of children's health care.

Stark, who's in his 18th term representing the liberal East Bay near San Francisco, took to the floor to accuse Republicans of funding the Iraq war but not children's health.

'You don't have money to fund the war or children,' Stark declared. 'But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement.'

'Congressman Stark's statement dishonors not only the commander in chief, but the thousands of courageous men and women of America's armed forces who believe in their mission and are putting their lives on the line for our freedom and security,' said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio. He called for Stark to retract his statement and apologize.

Instead of retraction or apology the statement Stark issued in response to Boehner just offered more criticism of the 'chicken hawks in Congress who vote to deny children health care.' Stark did also express respect for the troops.

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