Rep. Fattah Says Congressman Murtha Always Put Pennsylvania First

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues this statement upon the death today of Congressman John Murtha (D-PA):

"Chairman Murtha will be remembered as a man who was not just Congressman from Johnstown, he was the Congressman for Philadelphia, the Congressman for Pittsburgh, for Allentown, for every corner of our Commonwealth. He really carried the weight of Pennsylvania on his shoulders. In Congress, he always sat in the same chair and he always had the same disposition: Pennsylvania first.

"Congressman Murtha, I believe, will be best remembered as the first serious hawk to stand up and call for our withdrawal from Iraq. As a former Marine – he would say 'always a Marine' – Jack Murtha's courageous stand marked a turning point in America's involvement in that ill-advised war.

"On a personal level, he was my friend, and when I was new to Congress he took me under his wing. His advice and wisdom was invaluable as I was developing the GEAR UP college-readiness program for students in high-poverty public schools. He helped me as a young member in the Congressional minority to steer GEAR UP program to enactment.

"I extend condolences to the family of Chairman Murtha and to all who cherish his memory. I will miss him enormously. All Pennsylvanians owe him our gratitude, and we will remember him in our prayers."

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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