Wilson Votes To Change Direction In Iraq

Press Release

WILSON VOTES TO CHANGE DIRECTION IN IRAQ

Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH) today joined a majority in the House of Representatives to back legislation to change direction in Iraq. The Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act was passed by a vote of 223-201 and requires American forces to begin redeploying within 120 days and to complete the transition to a limited presence in Iraq by April 1, 2008.

The vote to change direction in Iraq came on the same day as the release of the White House Interim Report on Iraq, which indicates that the Iraqi government has failed to meet key benchmarks endorsed by the President in January and that political reconciliation in Iraq is non-existent.

"This is the time to set a new course. Setting a date certain gives Iraqis the incentive to actually work on things; to meet some benchmarks," Wilson stated on the floor of the House today. Debate lasted four hours.

"Our military men and women are among our most precious resources. They are performing admirably and with courage in a situation that they never should have been asked to do. They're doing their job. Now we must do ours - we must bring them home," Wilson said.

The Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act also requires the development of a comprehensive strategy for U.S. policy in Iraq and limits missions any remaining forces in Iraq may undertake to duties such as counter-terrorism and protecting American personnel at the embassy in Iraq.

"On a recent trip to Walter Reed to visit a seriously wounded Marine I saw again the damage this war's done; not just to that young man, but to his family. They've all put jobs and lives on hold to care for him. His courage and conviction are not in question," Wilson said.

"That Marine would go back to Iraq if we asked him to. We must not ask. How much more blood must be shed? How many more families must we shatter? How many more billions must we spend? Enough is enough," Wilson said.

In its fifth year, the war in Iraq has cost American taxpayers $450 billion and new reports indicate that America spends $10 billion per month on the war in Iraq. To date, more than 3,600 Americans have lost their lives in Iraq and more than 26,000 have been wounded.

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