Countywide : 2 Congressmen Urge Gulf Policy Session

The two congressmen representing Ventura County on Wednesday urged President Bush to call Congress back into session to reaffirm his policies in the Persian Gulf.

In a letter to the President, Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) wrote that it is crucial for Bush to make his case to Congress and the American people about the need for the massive buildup of troops in the region. “Otherwise, there is a substantial risk that public support for our mission will steadily deteriorate,” Gallegly said.

Rep. Robert J. Lagomarsino (R-Ventura) said he supported the notion of a special session of Congress in early December when Republicans and Democrats congregate in the nation’s capital to appoint each party’s congressional leaders.

“I think it would clear the air because there is so much talk about the increase in troops without congressional approval,” Lagomarsino said. Most of the talk, he said, comes from Administration critics who do not reflect the overall sentiment of Congress.

“I am confident that the Congress still supports the President’s Mideast policies, probably not by the margin it was, but still overwhelmingly,” Lagomarsino said.

Both Lagomarsino and Gallegly believe Bush is pursuing the right course in pressuring Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to withdraw his troops from Kuwait.