Supplemental Includes DeLauro Provision to Ensure Congressional Voice in US-Iraq Agreement

Press Release

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of a provision to require that any security agreement between the United States and Iraq will not be funded unless it comes in the form of a treaty or is specifically authorized by a law - included in the second amendment to the fiscal year 2008 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill.

DeLauro has consistently opposed the Iraq War - voting against authorization in 2002 - and has worked to change course in Iraq . On the Emergency Supplemental, she again voted against unconditionally funding the War, while voting for the amendment that not only prohibits funds for a security agreement with Iraq unless approved by Congress, but also requires the responsible redeployment of troops beginning within 30 days with a goal of completing withdrawal of combat troops by December of 2009.

The defense agreement provision in the Supplemental is similar to, particularly in intent, of legislation DeLauro introduced earlier this year, the Iraq Strategic Agreement Review Act of 2008, which would ensure a Congressional voice in any agreements between the United States and Iraq (please click here for more information on the bill).

Below is the text of DeLauro's remarks (as prepared for delivery).

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Iraq provisions included in amendment #2 calling for the responsible redeployment of our troops to begin within 30 days. After voting against this war, I have supported the goal of responsibly redeploying our troops for over two years.

"And, after President Bush and Prime Minister al-Maliki signed a "Declaration of Principles" document outlining unprecedented security commitments and assurances to Iraq from the US , I introduced the Iraq Strategic Agreement Review Act.

"So today, I want to voice my support for the provision that makes clear, as my bill does, that any security agreement between the United States and Iraq will not be funded unless it comes in the form of a treaty or is specifically authorized by a law.

"As we speak, the administration is negotiating a strategic framework agreement that goes well beyond a typical Status of Forces Agreement, essentially amounting to a treaty. It will need to be ratified by the Iraqi parliament and it must be ratified by the United States Congress as well.

"Mr. Speaker, this issue goes to the heart of our Constitutional duties as a Congress and the power to declare war with which we have been entrusted as Representatives. I urge my colleagues to support this provision."

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