WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, is a decorated war veteran and a former Marine intelligence officer in Vietnam.

And he is usually an ally to the Pentagon. He supported President George W. Bush's decision to go to war.

But now Murtha says he's changed his mind.

The Murtha proposal calls for:

• The immediate redeployment of U.S. troops
• The creation of a quick-reaction force in the region
• The creation of an over-the-horizon presence of Marines
• The use of diplomatic channels to pursue security and stability in Iraq

"I believe we ought to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis," Murtha said Thursday. "Our military has done everything that has been asked of them. The U.S. cannot accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. It's time to bring the troops home.

"I have concluded that the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq is impeding this progress. Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency -- they are united against U.S. forces and they have become a catalyst for violence. We are charged -- Congress is charged -- with sending our sons and daughters into battle. And it's our responsibility, our obligation, to speak out for them. That is why I am speaking out."

Murtha bashed the administration for "lashing out" at critics of the war.

"I like guys who've never been (in war) who criticize us who've been there. I like that," Murtha said. "I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and sent people to war and then don't like to hear suggestions about what may need to be done. This is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion."

If both the House and Senate pass the resolution, it would force Bush to withdraw U.S. troops.

Murtha is the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. He could not say whether his caucus supports his position.