Despite plans for a limited drawdown in Iraq, President George W. Bush has indicated combat forces would stay there well past 2008.

The strategy has its share of critics, including a local congressman who has its share of critics including U.S. Rep. John Murtha, who has already been an outspoken voice against the war.

On Monday, Murtha addressed the National Press Club in Washington as chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

There are about 169,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, even though the president has agreed to withdraw about 5,700 by the holidays, Bush has said he remains committed to keeping combat forces there for an indefinite period -- something Murtha said the American people don't want.

"When they fail, we step in and do their part. That's the same mistake we made in Vietnam is the same mistake we're making now," Murtha, a Democrat, said.

Murtha said he does not feel that some of the problems in Iraq can be solved by military power. Stay with Channel 6 News and WJACTV.com for continuing coverage.