Congressman Hank Johnson Votes for Troop Withdrawal

Press Release

CONGRESSMAN HANK JOHNSON VOTES FOR TROOP WITHDRAWAL

Congressman Hank Johnson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, yesterday voted in support of HR 2237 intended to withdraw U.S. troops and related contractors from Iraq within a time certain.

The Redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces and Defense Contractors From Iraq bill was introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass) and requires redeployment 90 days after enactment of the legislation and complete withdrawal within 180 days after that. In addition, HR 2237 prohibits the use of appropriated funds to increase the number of troops beyond January 1st levels and redeployment after withdrawal is completed.

"This bill will ensure that our troops are headed home and the Administration must be accountable for future spending," said Rep. Johnson. "Now that the President has threatened a second veto of a reasonable plan to bring our troops safely home it is clear that he's only interested in winning the argument and not the security of the American public."

According to Congressman Johnson, the legislation allows the Defense Department to maintain support troops in Iraq to protect U.S. diplomatic missions, to protect American citizens, to conduct targeted operations against al Qaeda and other terrorists, and to train Iraqi security forces. The measure does not appropriate any funding for military or other operations.

"Clearly, we will give our troops the support that they need until we can responsibly bring them home, but bring them home we must. Continued funding will only escalate this war and that is not an option," he said.

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