On Wednesday, Congressman John Murtha - a former Marine himself - discussed the incident and the criticism he's received for his prior comments.

Murtha said he is "outraged" about the November incident in which an entire Marine unit is now accused of killing civilians in the town of Haditha.

The congressman said these allegations, in addition to the Abu Graib prison scandal, is only making it harder for the U.S. to gain Iraqis' trust.

He also said the military lacks ambition to obtain psychological help for soldiers in the field.

Despite that, Murtha said if any Marine is found guilty of a crime, they should be "severely punished."

"People have to be punished....As much as I've supported the military, there's no excuse for going in and killing innocent civilians," said Murtha, D-12th District.

Murtha has been criticized for his previous comments, as some say he is jumping the gun before the soldiers get a fair trial.

In response, Murtha said the soldiers will get their day in court, but said the facts as he knows them are clear.

Visit Our Politics Page!