U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen did not mince words Wednesday on the House floor when he emphatically spoke in favor of the Iraq resolution that expresses support for the military troops but denounces the president’s proposal to deploy more than 20,000 additional combat troops to Iraq.

Larsen, a Democrat from Arlington, said he supports “a strong U.S. military, a military that is ready to combat terrorists and a military that is ready for the challenges of this century.”

“For these reasons I oppose the president’s plan to escalate the war in Iraq,” he said.

The congressman called the president’s plan to send more than 20,000 U.S. troops to Iraq a step in the wrong direction.

“The American public does not want an escalation of the Iraq war, especially without an explanation of what we are trying to achieve,” he said. “The president promised a new approach but more troops does not equal a new way forward.”

As the debate continued into Friday, virtually all Democrats saw things the way Larsen did, while Republican leaders warned it was sending the wrong message to the troops. The measure was sure to pass as Democrats control the House.

Larsen said the United States can choose to either help “keep a lid on Iraq’s civil war” or devote ample time and attention to combating terrorism in other hot spots while securing a military that is prepared to protect national security.

“I choose the latter,” he said. “But at a time when we need to manage our strategic risk in the face of terrorists and nuclear uncertainty — at a time when our enemies are numerous, unpredictable and dangerous — this administration has made the wrong choice. I believe this approach damages our military readiness today and damages our ability to prepare for threats in the future.”

The resolution will have no impact on President Bush, who as commander in chief is implementing the troop surge in Iraq.