WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, called this morning for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

Stating that Congress and the American people have not been shown "clear, measurable progress toward establishment of stable and improving security in Iraq," Mr. Murtha said it was time for him to speak out.

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"Our military has done everything that has been asked of them. The U.S. cannot accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily," Mr. Murtha said in a statement issued before he held a press conference. "It is time to bring them home."

Mr. Murtha is considered influential on military matters in Congress and is the ranking Democrat on the Defense Appropriations subcommittee.

Mr. Murtha said the Iraq war has caused huge shortfalls on domestic bases and the military is stretched too thin.

He also expressed concerns about a federal budget deficit that is "growing out of control."

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.