3 years ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- It wasn't the warm welcome they were hoping for. About a dozen people went inside the Senate Gallery Tuesday and were promptly escorted out.
At the time, the floor was empty with the exception of Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The group stood up when Sen. Reid talked about what his Nevada constituents wanted.
"Above all they want us to find an end to the war in Iraq," said Sen. Reid.
Capitol rules prohibit any protest, even silent ones.
Aaron Hughes came from Chicago. The sergeant with the Illinois National Guard served in Iraq for a year and is one of the founding members of Iraq Veterans Against the War.
"The Senate and Congress are both playing with lives, waiting for election. I'm not waiting for an election to end this war, " said Hughes.
Geoff Millard also served in Iraq and says his war protests aren't a disservice to the troops in combat.
"I think I'm giving the greatest service: That I am working every day to make sure that every one of my brothers and sisters are brought home and taken care of when they come here," said Millard.
The timing of this silent protest is no coincidence, it comes just a week before the top military commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and the U.S. Ambassador to Baghdad are expected in Washington to testify about the current state of Iraq.
Written by Cindy Pena9NEWS NOW
