Cardin Calls For President To Submit Strategy To Withdraw U.S. Troops From Iraq

Cardin Calls For President To Submit Strategy To Withdraw U.S. Troops From Iraq

House Leaders Refuse to Allow Vote on Congressman's Amendment

U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin today offered an amendment to the defense spending bill that would require the President by law to submit to Congress a classified report for a strategy to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.

"We have waited too long for the Administration to bring us a plan that will bring our troops home. That's why I offered my amendment that would require President Bush to present a plan to Congress for a strategy to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq," said Rep. Cardin.

In 2002, the Congressman voted against giving President Bush the authority to use force in Iraq. While Congress overwhelmingly voted to authorize the war, Rep. Cardin was critical of the Administration's claim that "Iraq posed an immediate threat to the United States." He also faulted the President for failing to engage the international community.

The House Rules Committee refused to allow consideration of the Congressman's amendment. "The American people do not want U.S. troops caught in the middle of a civil war in Iraq. We need a strategy in Iraq that will bring our troops home."

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