Waters, Lee, Woolsey Urge YES Vote on McGovern Bill, But Fail to Urge NO Vote on Supplemental

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Waters, Lee, Woolsey Urge YES Vote on McGovern Bill, But Fail to Urge NO Vote on Supplemental
Submitted by davidswanson on Thu, 2007-05-10 13:59. Congress

This is not good enough. Here is their letter:

May 10, 2007

Dear Congressional Progressive Caucus and Out of Iraq Caucus Members:

As leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and the Out of Iraq Caucus (OOIC), we write to urge your support for the legislation that will be on the floor prior to the Supplemental Appropriations bill on Thursday. (As soon as a bill number is assigned, we will let you know.)

This bill will require that the Department of Defense begin redeployment of armed forces and military contractors no later than 90 days after the date of enactment and shall be completed within 180 days of the start of redeployment. Additionally, no funds may be obligated or expended to increase the number of troops above the level of troops who were serving in Iraq as of January 1, 2007.

This bill also continues our Nation's support for the Iraqi people by continuing assistance for social, political and diplomatic reconstruction. Additionally, at the request of the Iraqi government, support is permitted for assistance or equipment to the Iraqi Security Forces or multinational forces providing security or training in Iraq. Furthermore, this bill would take steps towards ensuring that we would not establish permanent military bases in Iraq by transferring stewardship of these bases to Iraqi control.

This bill is in keeping with the CPC and OOIC priorities to end the occupation in Iraq and provide security and sovereignty for the Iraqi people. In fact, it largely mirrors Titles I and II of H.R. 508 and the provisions in the "Lee Amendment," which was presented before the Rules Committee earlier this year during consideration of the first Supplemental. We are pleased that the Congress will get to vote on the issues which are core to our Caucus' beliefs, and encourage you to vote for it.

We applaud the work of Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team for the tremendous work they have done to bring an end to the occupation of Iraq, and see this vote as a great step forward.

For additional information, please feel free to contact Bill Goold, Executive Director of the CPC (5-5161).

Sincerely,

Lynn Woolsey Barbara Lee Maxine Waters