Legislation

House Democrats Have A Plan

Posted by Michael Link on March 8, 2007 at 03:29 PM

Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats introduced legislation earlier today that would hold the Iraqi government accountable to meet benchmarks while calling for the redeployment of U.S. combat troops by a specific date. The legislation would also expand funding for veterans' health care and meet troop readiness standards so that they aren't sent in without the proper training, without the proper equipment, and in the proper time frame.

Here's what the Christian Science Monitor, which says Democrats are "drawing their line in the sand," states about the bill:

As a timetable, it could hardly be clearer: Show progress in Iraq by July or begin withdrawing US troops. Meet your goals by October or start bringing the troops home. No matter what, all troops are out by August 2008.

The proposal by Speaker Pelosi and others would, according to a press release from the House Appropriations Committee:

- Redirect more resources to the war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan
- Attack the neglect of returning troops and veterans who are badly in need of healthcare, and
- Set a timeline for bringing the United States participation in Iraq's civil war to an end.

While Republicans refused for years to hold President Bush accountable for his failed Iraq policy, House Democrats are stepping up to the plate with their plan. In addition to these measures, the bill would add $1.4 billion "to cover the full cost of housing allowances for military members" and $2.5 billion "to address training and equipment shortfalls in forces not deployed to theaters of operation."

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