appear at a news conference
Senate GOP turns back Iraq pullout plan
WASHINGTON
Democrats aggressively challenged President Bush’s Iraq policy at both ends of the Capitol on Thursday, gaining House committee approval for a troop withdrawal deadline of Sept. 1, 2008, but suffering defeat in the Senate on a less sweeping plan to end U.S. participation in the war.
In the House, only one committee Democrat, liberal Rep. Barbara Lee of California, voted against her party’s plan, saying it did not go far enough. “I believe the American people sent a mandate to us to bring home our men and women before the end of the year,” she said.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky led the opposition to the measure.
“This is a dangerous piece of legislation. It is constitutionally dubious and it would authorize a scattered band of United States senators to tie the hand” of the commander in chief, he said. McConnell said it would be “absolutely fatal” to the mission of U.S. troops in Iraq.
For their part, Republicans sought to create a political dilemma for Democrats, countering with an alternative measure that said “no funds should be cut off or reduced for American troops in the field” that would undermine their safety.
GOP leaders hoped the proposal, advanced by Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, would prove difficult for Democrats to oppose and complicate any future effort to reduce funds for the war.
Gregg’s amendment passed 82-16.
Democrats tried still another proposal, this one saying that Congress would provide “necessary funds for training equipment and other support for troops in the field.” It passed easily, 96-2.
The House timetable was part of a spending bill that totals $124 billion, $95.5 billion of which is targeted for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Wild Thing’s comment………
The Reid Amendment has failed. It was the one which would restrict the President’s ability to direct the use of force, and set a deadline for withdrawal of March 31, 2008. The Democrats didn’t even get a plurality – the Reid Amendment lost 50-48.
The Gregg Amendment – i.e., Congress should not eliminate/reduce funds for troops in the field – has passed 82–16.
The Murray Amendment – i.e., Congress should provide funds for training, equipment and other support for troops in the field; and health care to those who have served – has passed 96-2
The message that has been sent is that the Senate has thoroughly rejected defunding the mission!! This ia a huge rejection of the enemy within’s agenda and demand that Democrats vote to defund and withdraw immediately.
Just goes to show you–the dummycraps are spoiled brats who want it their way only.
Thank God we recognize this and fight it.
We aren’t the bullies they think we are.
They just don’t see that in themselves.
I am happy that our usually compromising Senate Republicans stood firm this time. And Joe Lieberman defied his former party. This sends a message to the enemy that we are not as divided as many thought, it is just that the anti-war people are very vocal.
I’ve been out of the news loop for a few days and hadn’t heard this good news!
Finally, some sense on Capitol Hill!
For some reason the names Curly, Larry, and Moe come to mind.
I keep hearing the deomcrats say they want to end the war because of the mistakes of the Bush Administration.
Their plan, because mistakes were made is to just ‘QUIT’, what the hell kind of a plan is that ? How is QUITTING in favor of the troops ? How does QUITTING furhter the cause of liberty. Quitting, what kind of a message does that send the rest of the world. We can start it but we can’t finish it ?
To me the democrats are not thinking about what damage this will do to the country (alot) but what damage they can do to the Presidency.
God help us if we ever get into it with a country like China.
Failure at any cost. They’ll surrender on the fields, and on the beaches, they’ll surrender in the towns, and on the landing fields. They will always surrender.
Quitting has cost many more than American lives. These same anarchist pacifists have bathed themselves in the security provided by our brethren who have given their all so they can be free and protected. While they, through their cowardice and appeasement have directly caused the deaths of millions of Asian and Europeans through their encouragement of the Communist and Islamist oppressors world wide. September 11, 2001, instead of laying the blame for the attacks on the true culprits they blame their fellow Americans for the attack and for the reason behind the Islamists hatred. Are those wormy bastards that never participate in the defense of this country worth protecting?
Lynn your right, they are the ones that use bully tactics and then they say we do.
Tom, I just hope they keep it up for the next battle in the Senate. I wish too I had more confidence in them. sigh
Always On Watch, it is good news. I take it with a little holding my breath though for the next round. augh…The lefties just won’t give up.
Bob hahahah good one.
Mark exaxctly, you are so right about that.
Rhod yes, your right, they will and I hate the left and anyone that does not get it. And what all of this is doing to our troops, it is unforgivable.
Jack I agree all of this has cost a lot more lives of our troops. Those doing this might as well hold up signs how they hate our military and at least be honest. It is criminal how they are abusing those that fight for our freedom.
I don’t think the left and rhino’s are worth it. I wish we could seperate those that are fighting our troops in our government and those that are supportive of the troops and let those against fend for themselves.