| House Continues Drumbeat for New Direction In Iraq, Approves Responsible Redeployment From Iraq Resolution
Thursday, July 12, 2007
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WASHINGTON, DC—House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today commented on passage of HR 2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act. The bill was approved by a vote of 223 to 201 and begins redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq within 120 days of enactment and completes redeployment by April 1, 2008.
“To date, we’ve spent almost half a trillion dollars on the Iraq war; almost 3,600 American lives have been lost; and more than 26,000 Americans have been wounded.
“When the president announced his escalation plan six months ago, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said it would only last a few months. Minority Leader Boehner said we would know whether the escalation succeeded or failed within 90 days. And Secretary Rice Said we would not stay married to a plan that is not working.
“Since the president announced his escalation plan six months ago, we’ve lost nearly 600 American troops and spent more than $60 billion. In fact, the monthly cost in lives and resources has increased dramatically since the war began: In 2003, when the war began, we were spending $4 billion a month, average monthly deaths were 49 and average monthly injuries were 241. Today, we’re spending $10 billion a month, average monthly deaths are 96 and average monthly injuries are 634. This war has stretched our military to its limits.
“We received an interim report from the President today on his escalation plan and this was the verdict: none of the 18 benchmarks he outlined in January have been reached. In fact, the report clearly illustrated how far the Iraqi government is from political progress and national reconciliation.
“A recently released National Intelligence Report concludes that al Qaeda has reconstituted its core network and may be a stronger terrorist organization than it was a year ago. In fact, it could be closer to its pre-9/11 strength and reach. While al Qaeda rebuilds itself and Osama bin Laden moves freely along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, President Bush wants to keep our troops in the midst of a civil war in Iraq.
“Republicans have spoken out against the President’s failed policies in Iraq, yet out of fear of being called names, many were reluctant to vote for this resolution. We ought to be able to have a thoughtful discussion about the issues of war and peace without name-calling. It’s beneath the dignity of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make every day.
“The Republicans who have expressed concern with the president’s failed policies had the chance to vote their conscience today. They had a chance to vote for responsible redeployment, so we can refocus our efforts on protecting Americans from terrorism. The president’s open-ended commitment is limiting our ability to focus on the real terrorist threat from al Qaeda, and on other national security concerns.
“How many more billions must we spend? How many more lives must we lose? Why wait until September to put strength behind your words?
“The American people have spoken. Seventy percent of Americans support responsible redeployment.
“Now it’s our turn. This Responsible Redeployment Resolution establishes a New Direction in Iraq.”
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