Dem Iraq Funding Bill Is Most Aggressive Pursued Thus Far

House Democratic leaders are slated to introduce the toughest-worded war funding resolution since taking office, one that would appropriate money only for a drawdown of troops from Iraq, according to a copy obtained by the Huffington Post. As a sign of cohesion within the party, moreover, Senate Democrats are likely to follow suit with virtually identical legislation.

But neither measure is expected to overcome a veto from the President or even a filibuster from the Republican minority. And Congress will more than likely have to resume Iraq legislative battles early next year.

"[Leadership] is committed to pushing this as far as it can go," said one Democratic aide. "But it will get filibustered or vetoed. Regardless, this will be the last funding bill in 2007."

The emergency Defense Department appropriations bill is set to be introduced to the House on Wednesday. A draft obtained by the Huffington Post reads: "Within 30 days after enactment of this Act, the President shall commence an immediate and orderly redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq." Additionally, the draft states, "It is the sense of Congress that the war in Iraq should end as safely and quickly as possible and that our troops should be brought home."

The legislation would also require President Bush to provide Congress with a plan to complete the redeployment by December 15, 2008. It would prohibit deployment of forces to Iraq who are not fully trained, and change the strategy of U.S. forces in Iraq to diplomatic missions, force protection, and counterterrorism operations.

Finally, the supplemental language reaffirms that they won't be considering any additional war funding beyond this bill until early next year

"The amounts appropriated by this Act are sufficient to fully meet the immediate needs of the United States Armed Forces deployed to Iraq," the legislation concludes. "Congressional action on additional funding shall be deferred until [February 1, 2008]."

Comments

[ljsfolly]

Big business that is making the money off the war that lies built and those in congress with branches of these war profiteers will vote they "ideals" meaning for anything to continue to flood these companies and cronies with the money we need for our own country. To keep going on as they have is too destructive to the dems but they need to work with repubs and jointly offer up what we must have. Also the repubs AND democrats who back these insane bills to support bush and cronies should be front and center in someway in their districts to show the voters who they have elected and what they are doing in their name. We have done it before in the vietnam war and it can be done again.

[claytongrayum]

Democrats, your # 1 priority is to SWAY the Republicans to join you and leave Bush behind. BRIBE them for all I care-

Get the votes, END THE WAR, IMPEACH the President.

i dont care if you promise xyz to Republicans and then screw them once you get your votes-

END THE WAR, IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT

[gardengoddess]

As far as the filibustering goes, the mistake Pelosi and in particular Reid is making, is not forcing the Republicans to actually filibuster. They should have to stand there for hours on end, trying to tell America why more soldiers should get killed in a country where the people don't want us. They should have to eat a cold sandwich at the podium, pee in a jar, take no showers, get no shaves, etc. In other words, make them put their money where their big mouths are.

[gardengoddess]

First of all, NABNYC, stop legitimizing the Iraq fiasco by calling it a "war". THERE IS NO WAR! There IS an illegal occupation of a sovereign nation whose government has asked us at least 3 times to leave.

Secondly, the Democrats do NOT have enough votes - unless some of the more moderate Republicans can wash off that yellow stripe that covers their entire backsides - to kill a filibuster.

However, you're correct in that they do not have to put forth ANY funding bills for Iraq/Afghanistan at all. It's up to the House and Senate leaders which bills get put before each house.

What Pelosi and Reid are trying to do, of course, is show the American public they are trying to bring the soldiers home and stop the financial rape of America, and that the Republicans are opposed to any of that happening.

I don't like the idea of any of them playing games with the lives of American soldiers, further destroying the reputation of America, or letting criminals in office off the hook.

Keep in mind, however, the President and Vice President can get press coverage at the snap of their fingers. Congressional leaders, ESPECIALLY the Democrats, don't have that same leverage. Let's not forget that every corporation who owns a mainstream media outlet is making money off the illegal occupation of Iraq, so they want that funding bill out of committee, they want the voting done - because they want more money!

[Dantheman99]

Actions speak louder than words. Let the Senate Republicans sleep on cots every night for the rest of the war to continue Bush' blank check for the war.

Put the onus on them for a change.

[admiralmpj]

How much are we supposed to care about Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid "symbolically" throwing themselves against a brick wall?? Until they go to the funding, the Democratic Leadership is showing the only thing they care about is getting themselves re-elected, and the more they do this, that is going to be in increasing jeopardy.

[NABNYC]

They don't need to overcome a veto. That's the same old lie the Democrats keep telling us. Trying to deceive their own supporters.

Bush wants more money to continue the wars. The Congress controls the purse strings. Don't vote to give him any money until he begins the withdrawal. Or, in other words, the Democrats should do the job they were elected to do.

I just went to Rahm Emanuel's website. He has a list of "The Issues." Guess what's not mentioned? WAR. That's right, not a peep. No Iraq, no Iran, no Afghanistan.

And we know Clinton and Obama want to keep the Iraq war going for at least another 6 years. They admitted that. They've probably already promised their corporate sponsors that they would keep the war going for a minimum of six more years.

Raise your hand if you believe the Democrats will do anything to stop these wars.

No one.

Okay, then snap your fingers if you believe in tinkerbell.

There, that got a response. More Americans believe in tinkerbell than believe the lazy lying deceitful corrupt Democrats will ever do anything to stop the war in Iraq.

That's my poll results.

[OneVoiceInACrowd]

With Veterans day just around the corner we should all remember why we celebrate this day. This is not a 2nd tiered holiday.

We all owe an unpayable debt to those who have sacrificed to serve our country and the cause of freedom.

They are Heroes.

Let's support our troops and end this insane mission. It is time to bring them home and honor them for their sacrifices.

[leftLibertarian]

That's not saying much.

If justice was served, Bush and Cheney would be in prison.