Taking action on the war

Earlier this week, the President refused to give any specifics on when American troops might finally be done with their work in Iraq, and suggested that it would be another president who actually gives the orders to come home. This situation is unacceptable. To further the cause of peace in Iraq, the U.S. needs a specific, if flexible, timetable for withdrawal. Committing to withdrawal will send a message to the Iraqi people and the world that we do not have imperial ambitions for permanently dominating their country, will deflate the jihadist insurgency which generates its energy from the ongoing presence of U.S. troops, will bolster the diplomatic efforts to establish a new government in Iraq, and will give emotional relief to Americans worried for their sons and daughters stationed over there.

U.S. troops have done a commendable job in their Iraqi mission. It is now up to the Iraqis to take charge of their destiny. The sooner we get out of their way, the sooner they can take responsibility for their future.

Two key legislative actions are pending in Congress that will make this possible. Senate Resolution 171, sponsored by Sen. Feingold, calls upon the President to report to Congress within 30 days and clarify the remaining mission of U.S. troops in Iraq, give an estimate on the timeframe required to accomplish that mission, and a timeframe for subsequent troop withdrawal. Please contact your Senator and urge her or him to support Senate Resolution 171.

House Resolution 543, sponsored by Neil Abercrombie, is a discharge petition which calls for a floor vote on House Resolution 55, the Homeward Bound Act. This resolution, currently sponsored by 68 members of the House, calls on the President to announce a plan for troop withdrawal. Please contact your Representative and ask her or him to sponsor H. Res 543, which simply gives members of Congress the opportunity to vote on the Homeward Bound Act.

Regardless of Americans' original position on the invasion of Iraq, the national consensus is that our work in Iraq should be drawing to a close. Please encourage others to support these legislative actions and pressure Congress to carry out the nation's will.