J Tasini: Progressives Introduce End The War Legislation

... Lynn Woolsey and Barbara Lee (co-chairs of Progressive caucus, which has roughly 64 members) and Maxine Waters (chair of Out of Iraq Caucus, roughly 74 members) are introducing comprehensive End the War legislation, answering Bush's challenge that Democrats provide alternative proposals. It's called The Bring the Troops Home and Iraq Sovereignty Restoration Act.

... the co-sponsors will be joined by thirteen others (including Barney Frank, John Conyers, Jim McGovern, Dennis Kucinich, Diane Watson, Maurice Hinchey, Jerry Nadler and Raul Grijalva). Here are the details:

1. The bill fully funds a 6-month withdrawal of US forces and military contractors (from the date of enactment of the bill) from Iraq.

2. It repeals the authorization for the use of force. This is key, in my humble opinion, because it takes away any remaining authority to wage war in Iraq and, hopefully, reestablishes the Congress' power to wage war.

3. It prohibits the building of any permanent military bases in Iraq, which has clearly been the Pentagon's plan.

4. It provides economic and political aid to the Iraqi people and their government. When ever I've written and spoken about this issue, I've been clear that, while the U.S. cannot play any military role in Iraq, we are morally obligated to help rebuild a country out government destroyed.

5. The bill fully funds the VA Health Care system for all military veterans.

6. As I understand it, the bill draws on language from other bills aimed at an exit from war to peace and puts it into a package they hope to rally lawmakers and grassroots behind.

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-tasini/progressives-introduce-en_b_38881.html

It was Will Rogers who advised: "When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging." Yet the Bush administration is grabbing for every shovel it can find. Faced with his own spectacular failure in Iraq, with violence that his own CIA director termed "satanic, President Bush has chosen to escalate the very policy that catalyzed the slaughter and mayhem in the first place. The White House finds itself in a hole and, incomprehensibly, has decided to keep digging.

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Link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/01/17/EDGC7N755C1.DTL&type=printable

This bill's for you: "The Bring Our Troops Home and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act of 2007"
by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey

Wed Jan 17, 2007 at 12:01:43 PM PST

Friends,

Just minutes ago, I was joined by Congresswomen Waters and Congresswoman Lee in introducing a bill that would bring our troops home from Iraq within a six month timeframe.

The Bring Our Troops Home and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act is the first comprehensive legislative proposal to end the occupation and provide a framework to help bring stability back to Iraq. I am here to ask for you support in helping to get it passed.

Please click the link and offer Congresswoman Woolsey your support - http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/1/17/112439/808

... market, the U.S. will certainly have access to our share. That’s why our bill ensures that the U.S. has no long-term control over Iraqi oil. - Congresswoman Woolsey at http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/1/17/112439/808