Rep. Susan Davis: The President Should Join Congress in Bringing Home the Troops

Press Release

Rep. Susan Davis: The President Should Join Congress in Bringing Home the Troops

WASHINGTON - As the war in Iraq approaches five years and $450 billion spent, Congresswoman Susan Davis once again voted to set a timeline for bringing troops home and shifting the mission in Iraq from one of combat to a more diplomatic and political mission.

"I hope the President will begin to understand that it is time to redefine our nation's mission in Iraq from a combat role to a counterterrorism, diplomatic and political role," said Davis, who voted against the invasion of Iraq. "I urge the President to accept the reality of the situation and join Congress in working together to bring our troops home and help the Iraqis take control of their destiny and their country."

The Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act (H.R. 4156) would require President Bush to begin the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq within 30 days of enactment of the bill, with a target for completion of December 15, 2008.

The bill also requires a transition in the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq from primarily combat to force protection and diplomatic protection, limited support to Iraqi security forces, and targeted counterterrorism operations.

H.R. 4156 passed the House of Representatives on a vote of 218 to 203.

The bill bans torture by requiring U.S. agencies to conduct themselves under the military code of justice.

President Bush has asked Congress for an additional $196 billion for Iraq, which would bring the total cost of the Iraq war to more than $600 billion. The bill passed by the House provides $50 billion to meet the immediate needs of our troops, but defers consideration of the remainder of the President's nearly $200 billion request dependent on his bringing forth a plan for responsible withdrawal.

Source