Issue Position: Iraq

Issue Position

In November 2006, the American people demanded an end to our open-ended commitment in Iraq. But, the Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans continue to ignore the will of the people. They fail to acknowledge the state of civil war in Iraq and have continued their failed strategy.

I have joined over 90 of my colleagues on a letter to the President stating we will only support Iraq appropriations that contain a timeline for withdrawal. You have my pledge that I will continue to support efforts that bring the war in Iraq to a close.

On November 14, 2007, I voted for and the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4156, the Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, which would require the start of the redeployment of U.S. forces within 30 days of enactment with a goal for completion of the redeployment by December 15, 2008. The bill provides $50 billion to meet the immediate needs of the troops, but defers consideration of the remainder of the President's $200 billion request. The bill also includes a provision that specifically prohibits the use of torture by U.S. government personnel.

It continues to be clear to most of us that Iraq is not a problem that can be resolved militarily. In fact a recent Washington Post article quoted several top U.S. Army commanders in Iraq who believe the "intransigence of Iraq's Shiite-dominated government as the key threat facing the U.S. effort in Iraq, rather than al-Qaeda terrorists, Sunni insurgents or Iranian-backed militias." This is why our focus must shift to a diplomatic solution. Our soldiers have fought honorably and bravely at every turn, but the time has come for Iraqis to step forward and lead their own nation.

Redeployment of our troops is long overdue, and passage of the Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act starts us down that road.

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