Proposed Bills Mandate US Troop Withdrawal from Iraq
Rebecca Recant is interning at Peacework, and is a student at Tufts. Information drawn from www.afterdowningstreet.org, Peace Action, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Council for a Livable World, and the websites of Congressmembers Feingold, McGovern, and Blumenauer.
Full Article:
Amid the thicket of bills being forwarded by Congress to weigh in on US Iraqi policy, a few stand out because they focus on pulling troops out, not just stopping the surge, and because they utilize Congress' power over the appropriations process to mandate a change in policy.
US Senator Russ Feingold introduced the "Iraq Redeployment Act of 2007" on January 31. Feingold's bill uses Congress's power of the purse to force the President to safely redeploy US troops from Iraq by prohibiting funds for continued operations six months after enactment. Feingold's legislation allows for specific operations to continue in Iraq beyond six months, including counter-terrorism efforts, protection of US personnel and infrastructure, and training of Iraqi security forces.
Similarly, Representative Jim McGovern has introduced new legislation, "The Safe and Orderly Withdrawal Act of 2007." The bill would require the US to begin the safe and orderly withdrawal of all US troops from Iraq within 30 days of enactment to be completed within 180 days. The withdrawal would be paid for by already appropriated funds and all funds for deployment of US troops would be terminated upon completion of the withdrawal.
Additionally, Earl Blumenauer from Oregon introduced the "New Direction for Iraq Act" on January 24, 2007. This comprehensive legislation requires the redeployment of US troops from Iraq, a new diplomatic offensive to stabilize Iraq, assertive efforts at oversight and accountability, and a new approach towards reconstructing Iraq.
All of these recent bills show increased pressure from both the House and Senate to redefine US strategy in Iraq. Feingold comments, "By passing my legislation, Congress can respond to the will of the American people and force the President to safely bring our forces out of Iraq. If Congress doesn't stop this war, it's not because it doesn't have the power -- it's because it doesn't have the will."
It will be important for Congressmembers truly opposed to the war to consolidate their disparate pieces of legislation, without excising the mandate for withdrawal, in order to pool their efforts.
