Ensign: More training needed to speed up return of troops

Friday, June 24, 2005 | 9:40 a.m.

The military should increase its training of Iraqi military forces to speed the return of U.S. troops, Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., said. Ensign also said the troops of other nations are needed to assist in the training.

"We cannot set a timeline for troop withdrawal without emboldening our enemies, but if we can help Iraq defend itself we can start planning to bring our servicemen and women home," Ensign said Thursday in a prepared statement at the Armed Services Committee hearing in which Rumsfeld testified. Ensign is a member of the panel, and chairman of the subcommittee on military readiness and support.

Ensign also expressed his support for Rumsfeld.

Congress was largely focused on the war in Iraq this week, as anxiety among lawmakers and the public rises alongside death tolls. Three Nevada servicemen died last week.

Ensign joined a number of Republican senators who met with Bush at the White House to discuss the war.

Democrats huddled privately to talk over the difficulties that U.S. troops face and what Congress can do to better support them, and their families. Afterward, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said President Bush needs to better explain his plan for Iraq in a speech set for Tuesday. Democrats plan to hold him accountable for that plan, Reid said.

"It has become clear that the Administration's plan for Iraq is adrift and increasingly disconnected from the reality on the ground," Reid said.