HUMAN EVENTS received the following release containing a statement of support for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld from the office of Sen. Jon Kyl (R.-Ariz.): WASHINGTON, D.C. -- More Republican Senators joined today to issue the following joint statement in support of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld:

"Secretary Rumsfeld has successfully led one of the largest organizations in the world, helped lead the ouster of two terrorist and totalitarian regimes, and brought long-overdue reforms to the military. He is a strong, smart and experienced part of the Bush Administration during this time of war, and understands the nature of the enemy we face and what is at stake." "We recognize that there is legitimate debate over issues such as troop levels and equipment, but that is inevitable in any large-scale military operation. President Bush has clearly indicated that Secretary Rumsfeld has his total confidence, and that his role will be critical to our success in Iraq. It is important that we support not only the President but also his team."

The statement was issued by Senators Wayne Allard (R-CO), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Jim Bunning (R-KY), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Enzi (R-WY), James Inhofe (R-OK), Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Ted Stevens (R-AK). They joined with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Majority Whip Mitch McConnell, Conference Chairman Rick Santorum and Vice Chairman Kay Bailey Hutchison, Republican Policy Committee Chairman Jon Kyl and incoming Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Elizabeth Dole, all of whom have expressed support for Rumsfeld.