With Two Votes, Conyers Supports Change of Course in Iraq

Press Release

With Two Votes, Conyers Supports Change of Course in Iraq

Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, made the following statement on H.R. 2237, Providing for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq, and H.R. 2206, The U.S. Troops Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007:

"Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted once again to change the President's disastrous course in Iraq. For the first time since the war began, the House voted on a clean withdrawal bill, H.R. 2237, which would significantly reduce the U.S. military presence in Iraq over a 9-month period and prohibit the use of funds to continue the war beyond that date. I have long championed legislation of this kind, and voted in support of the bill. While the measure failed, it attracted far more support than had been predicted - 171 Members voted in favor. The appeal of this approach has spread beyond the Out of Iraq Caucus to include members of the Democratic leadership, including Speaker Pelosi, Majority Whip Clyburn, and Caucus Chair Emanuel, as well as some Republicans. I remain confident that as the tragedy in Iraq wears on, even more Members of Congress will join in demanding withdrawal of our troops from Iraq and prohibiting the further use of funds to continue President Bush's war.

"The House also voted on a second supplemental war funding bill, H.R. 2206, The U.S. Troops Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007. The revised supplemental funding bill will fully fund the troops, honor our commitment to veterans, hold the Iraqi government accountable, and continue to press the President to change course and responsibly wind down the war. It provides funding for two to three more months, fencing off $52.8 billion of the $95.5 billion provided until it is released by subsequent legislation after further Congressional review.

"I joined with my Democratic colleagues in supporting this measure. While I would have preferred not to have voted for another war funding bill, the President has forced this situation upon us with his veto of the first supplemental. I will continue to support any Iraq-related legislation that holds the President's feet to the fire. The inferno raging in Iraq is one of his own making, and he should be forced to feel the heat."

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