Bishop Votes to Ban Permanent U.S. Bases in Iraq

Press Release

BISHOP VOTES TO BAN PERMANENT U.S. BASES IN IRAQ

Current bans expire in September

Yesterday, Congressman Tim Bishop (NY-1) joined an overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives in passing H.R. 2929, a bill that would ban permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq. Specifically, this bill states that it is the policy of the United States not to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing a permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq. It also states that it is the policy of the United States not to exercise U.S. control of the oil resources of Iraq. The measure bars the use of any funds provided by any law from being used to carry out any policy that contradicts these statements of policy. The Congress has passed provisions earlier banning permanent bases in Iraq - but those provisions expire on September 30, 2007. The ban under the bill passed by the House yesterday has no expiration date.

The following statement by Congressman Bishop was entered into the Congressional Record in support of the bill:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the HR 2929, which I voted for, and which overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives. This common-sense legislation limits the use of funds to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq or to exercise United States economic control over the oil resources of Iraq.

"In December 2006, the bi-partisan Iraq Study Group released its recommendations for U.S. policy in Iraq. Included in those recommendations were two important provisions- the first advises the President against seeking a permanent military bases in Iraq and the second encourages the Iraqi Government to take control of their own oil resources.

"Accordingly, H.R. 2929 solidifies those recommendations and sends a very clear message to the Iraqi people that the United States is not an occupying force. The perception that the United States plans to keep a permanent military presence in Iraq and use its oil resources has only fueled the insurgency and violence against our troops. That has been exacerbated by President Bush's recent comments that our military presence in Iraq could extend 50 years into the future. In response, this legislation puts Congress on record opposing any permanent bases or attempts to control Iraq's oil revenues and helps take the target off our troops' backs.

"Mr. Speaker, I oppose this war. I believe it is long past time to bring our troops home and end our involvement in this civil war. Although our withdrawal from Iraq will not happen tomorrow, this legislation is one way we can help put an end to our involvement today."

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