Congresswoman Johnson Votes Against Iraq Supplemental

Press Release

CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON VOTES AGAINST IRAQ SUPPLEMENTAL

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson voted today against the Iraq supplemental bill after supporting an amendment that included the House's domestic priorities in the measure.

"I listened to the residents of District 30, who are echoing the sentiments of citizens nationwide," said Congresswoman Johnson. "They have told us loudly and clearly that it is time to end this war. A supplemental funding bill with no timelines or guidelines for bringing our troops home ignores the mandate given to Congress by the public."

While the legislation before the House today set benchmarks for the Iraqi government to follow toward reconciling the country's various political factions, the benchmarks could be waived by the President at his discretion.

"The original supplemental bill that passed the Congress and was vetoed by President Bush last month was based on the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, recommendations that would have fundamentally changed the course of our military mission in Iraq," Congresswoman Johnson said.

"I am extremely disappointed in the presidential veto of common sense measures that hold Iraqis accountable for their own governance and security," she added. "Since this new supplemental does not begin the withdrawal of our troops—but does provide tens of billions more taxpayer dollars for the President's failed policy -- I cannot in good conscience vote for it."

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