Hospitals & Asylums
Prospectus for Peace in the 110th
Congress HA-15-5-07
By Tony Sanders
1. The United
States has the best-trained, most effective military in the world. The military is an all-volunteer force of
dedicated, patriotic men and women who reflect the best values and spirit of
our Nation[1]. Since 2001, approximately
1,500,000 members of the Armed Forces have been deployed in support of the
conflicts in Iraq (Public Law 107-243) and Afghanistan (Public Law 107-40), of
whom approximately one-third have served at least two tours of duty, 70,000
have served three tours of duty, and 20,000 have served at least five tours of
duty[2]. At this time more than 137,000 United States
military personnel are bravely and honorably serving in Iraq. Over 3,100 members of the Armed Forces have
died, and over 22,500 members of the Armed Forces have been wounded[3]. Congress
has a responsibility to ensure that the members of the Armed Forces are
provided for to the fullest extent possible and to make certain that the lives
of the members of the Armed Forces are never put at risk without careful
consideration. The Congressional Research
Service estimates that $379 billion have already been appropriated by Congress
to finance ongoing combat operations in Iraq[4]. This Memorial Day the collective judgment of both Congress and the President
regarding the use of military force by the United States in Iraq is urged to
bring the people of both nations peace.
2. Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution
grants Congress the power `to declare war,' to lay and collect taxes, to
`provide for the common defense' and general welfare of the United States, to
`raise and support armies,' to `provide and maintain a navy,' to `make rules
for the regulation for the land and naval forces,' to `provide for calling
forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and
repel invasions,' to `provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the
militia,' and to `make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into
execution all powers vested by the Constitution in the Government of the United
States'. The Constitution also grants
Congress exclusive power over the purse, `No money shall be drawn from the
Treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law'. The sole war power granted to the executive
branch through the President can be found in Article II, Section 2, which
states, `the President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of
the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into
actual Service of the United State’.
The Constitution of the United States provides that the President, in an
emergency, may act to defend the country, but reserved the matter of offensive
war to Congress as the representatives of the people[5].
3. In Federalist Paper
Number 69, while comparing the lesser war-making power of the United States
President versus King George III of Great Britain, Alexander Hamilton wrote,
`the President is to be commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy of the United
States. In this respect his authority would be nominally the same with that of the
King of Great Britain, but in substance much inferior to it. It would amount to
nothing more than the supreme command and direction of the military and naval
forces, as first General and admiral; while that of the British king extends to
the declaring of war and to raising and regulating of fleets and armies, all
which, by the Constitution under consideration, would appertain to the
legislature.' James Madison declared
that it is necessary to adhere to the `fundamental doctrine of the Constitution
that the power to declare war is fully and exclusively vested in the
legislature'. In 1793, President George
Washington, when considering how to protect inhabitants of the American
frontier, instructed his Administration that `no offensive expedition of importance
can be undertaken until after Congress has deliberated upon the subject, and
authorized such a measure'. In 1801,
Thomas Jefferson sent a small squadron of frigates to the Mediterranean to
protect against possible attacks by the Barbary powers; he told Congress that
he was `unauthorized by the Constitution, without the sanction of Congress, to
go beyond the line of defense' and that it was up to Congress to authorize
`measures of offense also’[6]. Although the Commander in Chief might do it,
it is also the responsibility of Congress to redeploy the troops.
4. During the summer of 2006, General George Casey, the top
United States military commander in Iraq, proposed a plan for the deployment
from Iraq of a substantial portion of United States Armed Forces and briefed
the President accordingly. U.S. Central
Command Commander General John Abizaid testified to Congress on November 15,
2006, `I met with every divisional commander, General Casey, the Corps
Commander, and General Dempsey. We all talked together. And I said, in your
professional opinion, if we were to bring in more American troops now, does it
add considerably to our ability to achieve success in Iraq? And they all said
no. And the reason is, because we want the Iraqis to do more. It's easy for the
Iraqis to rely upon us to do this work. I believe that more American forces
prevent the Iraqis from doing more, from taking more responsibility for their
own future[7].' Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki stated
on November 27, 2006, that `the crisis is political, and the ones who can stop
the cycle of aggravation and bloodletting of innocents are the politicians.
Art. 2
Withdrawal Plan of the 109th Congress
Whereas more than $277 billion has been appropriated by the United States Congress to prosecute US military action in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Whereas as of the drafting of this resolution, 2,079 US troops have been killed in Operation Iraq Freedom and over 300 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Whereas US forces have become the target of insurgency.
Whereas according to the polls, over 80% of the Iraq people want the US out of Iraq.
Whereas polls also indicate that 45% of the Iraqi people feel that attacks on the US are justified.
Whereas due to foregoing Congress finds it evident that continuing US military action in Iraq or Afghanistan is not in the best interest of the United States of America, the people of Iraq, or the Persian Gulf region which was cited in Public Law 107-243 as justification for taking such action.
Therefore be it resolved that the deployment of US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, by direction of Congress, is hereby terminated[8].
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately.
Resolved that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately[9].
Declares that it is the policy of the United States not to enter into any base agreement with the Government of Iraq that would lead to a permanent United States military presence in Iraq[10].
5. The United Nations shall;
a. Develop and implement a plan to begin the immediate withdrawal of U.S. armed forces from Iraq;
b. Develop and implement a plan for reconstructing Iraq's civil and economic infrastructure;
c. Convene an emergency meeting of Iraq's leadership, Iraq's neighbors, the United Nations, and the Arab League to create an international peacekeeping force in Iraq and to replace U.S. armed forces, and
d. Provide the Iraqi people the opportunity to completely control their internal affairs[11].
6. Justification:
a. United States Armed Forces initiated combat operations against the military of the Saddam Hussein regime on March 19, 2003, and concluded those operations in April 2004 with the defeat of the Iraqi military and the collapse of the Hussein regime.
b. United States Armed Forces personnel have remained in Iraq since the beginning of combat operations, and now number approximately 148,000 (and as of November 8, 2005 2,054 casualties).
c. United States Armed Forces personnel have served with great distinction and valor in Iraq, and have earned the commendation and thanks of the United States Congress and the American people.
d. An interim government of Iraq assumed sovereignty at the end of June 2004, and conducted an election on January 30, 2005, for a transitional National Assembly to draft a permanent constitution for Iraq.
e. The Iraqi people ratified the permanent constitution by a referendum conducted on October 15, 2005, and parliamentary elections under that constitution are now scheduled for December 15, 2005.
f. We must therefore begin withdrawing United States Armed Forces from Iraq;
g. We must recognize the elected Governments of Iraq and Afghanistan as the legitimate government of a fully sovereign country with control over its natural resources, security, and public safety within its borders[12].
7. Requiring the development and
implementation of a plan for the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from
Afghanistan and Iraq, to:
a. Announce, a plan for the withdrawal
of all U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq and Afghanistan;
b. Turn over, at the earliest possible
date, all military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to the elected
government(s) and provide for the prompt and orderly withdrawal of all U.S.
Armed Forces from Iraq and Afghanistan; and
c. Initiate such a withdrawal as soon
as possible but not later than October 1, 2006.
d. Establish a plan for the withdrawal
of all U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq and Afghanistan in consultation with the
national parliaments and Defense Secretary;
e. Establish a plan for a transition
of responsibility to the military forces of the Iraqi and Afghan governments and a transition of U.S. military
personnel to an advisory and support role;
f. Accelerate the training and
equipping of the military and security forces of the Iraqi government; and
g. Account for the civilian casualties
and any missing members of the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. citizens in Iraq,
prior to completion of the withdrawal[13].
8. The debate currently raging in Washington DC that this
essay seeks to resolve centers upon the unauthorized decision of the President
to send a 21,500 troop surge to Iraq although the Iraq Study Group had just
released a plan to have all the troops withdrawn by the end of first quarter
2008. The Iraq Study Group was formed
at the urging of Congress, and the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act
for Defense, the Global War On Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 (Public Law
109-234) that provided $1,000,000 for Iraq Study Group operations. Members of the Iraq Study Group were
appointed in March 2006 and were responsible for providing a forward-looking,
independent assessment of the strategic environment in and around Iraq, the
security of Iraq and key challenges to enhancing security within the country,
political developments within Iraq following the elections and formation of the
new government, the economy and reconstruction, and how the situation in Iraq
affects the surrounding region as well as United States interests. On December 6, 2006, the bipartisan Iraq
Study Group released its report title, ‘The Iraq Study Group Report[14]'.
9. The bipartisan Iraq Study Group headed by former
Secretary of State James Baker and former Representative Lee Hamilton reached a
bipartisan consensus on 79 separate recommendations for a new approach in
Iraq. The report advised, `Sustained
increases in U.S. troop levels would not solve the fundamental cause of
violence in Iraq, which is the absence of national reconciliation . . . Past
experience indicates that the violence would simply rekindle as soon as U.S.
forces are moved.'. Among those
recommendations were calling for a new diplomatic offensive in the region and
conditioning American economic assistance to Iraq on specific benchmarks, with
the expectation that `by the first quarter of 2008, subject to unexpected
developments in the security situation on the ground, all combat brigades not
necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq'. In accordance with Recommendation 21, if the Iraqi Government does
not make substantial progress toward the achievement of milestones on national
reconciliation, security, and governance, the United States should reduce its
political, military, or economic support for the Iraqi Government. There must
be consequences if Iraq does not perform.
10. The Iraq Study Group estimated the United States has
appropriated $34 billion to support the reconstruction of Iraq, of which $21
billion has been appropriated for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund. The report sets forth a comprehensive
strategy of new and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the
region. The change in the primary
mission of U.S. forces in Iraq is to begin to move its combat forces out of
Iraq responsibly. Congress supports the
recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, most importantly the repositioning of
United States troops to meet the objective of training and equipping the Iraqi
military, the establishment a framework for cooperation and coordination with
Iraqi leaders that includes the achievement of specific milestones and objectives
within a reasonable time frame, the launching of a new diplomatic initiative to
unite the region and build international consensus for stability and
reconstruction in Iraq; and that any policies enacted by the Administration
with regard to Iraq are implemented in direct and continued consultation with
Congress and relevant House and Senate committees[15].
11. The report was not received well by the President or
his corrupt Iraqi officials whom he mobilizes in acts of violence in reaction
to every reasonable overture for peace.
On December 30, 2006, Saddam Hussein was executed by the Government of
Iraq. On January 10, 2007, the
President addressed the American people and provided a plan entitled `The New
Way Forward in Iraq consisting of the additional deployment of 21,500 US troops
to Iraq'[16]. In his speech to the Nation the President
said, `I've made it clear America's commitment is not open-ended. If the Iraqi
government does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the support of
the American people. America would hold
the Government of Iraq to the benchmarks it has announced--the Iraqi Government
plans to take responsibility for security in all of Iraq's provinces by
November 2007, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all
Iraqis, the Iraqi Government will spend $10 billion of its own money on
reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new jobs, Iraqis
plan to hold provincial elections later in 2007, and the Iraqi Government will
reform de-Baathification laws and establish a fair process for considering
amendments to the Iraq Constitution.
The goal of United States policy in Iraq, is an Iraq that can `govern
itself, sustain itself, and defend itself'.
12. In reaction to the speech of President George W. Bush
of January 10, 2007, former Secretary of State Baker and former Representative
Hamilton wrote that `the President did not suggest the possibility of a
transition that could enable U.S. combat forces to begin to leave Iraq. The
President did not state that political, military, or economic support for Iraq
would be conditional on the Iraq government's ability to meet benchmarks.
Within the region, the President did not announce an international support
group for Iraq including all of Iraq's neighbors. In testimony before the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate on January 11, 2007, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that
unless the Government of Iraq has met certain benchmarks and reestablishes the
confidence of the Iraqi people over the next several months, `this plan is not
going to work'. In a statement on
January 11, 2007, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated `and we will
probably have a better view a couple of months from now in terms of whether we
are making headway in terms of getting better control of Baghdad, with the
Iraqis in the lead and with the Iraqis beginning to make better progress on the
reconciliation process'[17].
13. In the State of the Union Address on January 23, 2007,
President Bush stated `Iraq's leaders know that our commitment is not
open-ended. They have promised to deploy more of their own troops to secure
Baghdad, and they must do so. They have pledged that they will confront violent
radicals of any faction or political party. And they need to follow through and
lift needless restrictions on Iraqi and coalition forces, so these troops can
achieve their mission of bringing security to all of the people of Baghdad.
Iraq's leaders have committed themselves to a series of benchmarks to achieve
reconciliation--to share oil revenues among all of Iraq's citizens, to put the
wealth of Iraq into the rebuilding of Iraq, to allow more Iraqis to re-enter
their nation's civic life, to hold local elections, and to take responsibility
for security in every Iraqi province[18].' The President needed a new Corp Commander
and on January 26, 2007, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed General
David H. Petraeus as the new commander of United States and allied forces in
Iraq[19]. General Petraeus, as principal author of
Army Field Manual 3-24 (MCWP 3-33.5), Counterinsurgency, released in December
2006, and therefore possessing the unique understanding and experience
regarding the principles and fundamentals of pursuing a counterinsurgency
strategy, states that `in the end, the host nation has to win on its own.
Achieving this requires development of viable local leaders and institutions.
U.S. forces and agencies can help, but host Nation elements must accept
responsibilities to achieve real victory'.
14. Congress, through several bills and resolutions made it
clear that it is not in the national interest of the United States to deepen
its military involvement in Iraq,[20]. The Senate disagrees with the `plan' to
augment our forces by 21,500[21]. Congress feels that the overall military,
diplomatic and economic strategy should not be regarded as an `open-ended' or
unconditional commitment, but rather a new strategy that hereafter should be
conditioned upon the Iraqi government's meeting benchmarks that must be
specified by the Administration[22]. In the fall of 2006, leaders in the
Administration and Congress, as well as recognized experts in the private
sector began to express concern that the situation in Iraq was deteriorating
and required a change in strategy, and, as a consequence, the Administration
began an intensive, comprehensive review of the Iraq strategy, by all
components of the Executive branch[23].
15. On February 13, 2007 H.RES.157 was passed by the House, with
the concurrence of the Senate, on Roll No. 97, 232-192, that can be interpreted
as a conviction of treason by the Senate if they should wish to impeach the
President, to assure that Congress and the American people will continue
to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are
serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq; and disapprove of the
decision of President George W. Bush announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy
more than 20,000 additional combat troops to Iraq.[24].
16. The United States strategy and presence on the ground
in Iraq can only be sustained with the support of the American people and
bipartisan support from Congress. On
February 5, 2007, the President submitted a request for supplemental
appropriations for fiscal year 2007, including $5,600,000,000 to increase
United States forces in the Iraqi theater of operations to support the
Government of Iraq with 21,500 United States ground forces and an expanded
Naval presence, that was rejected. At the same time, the President also
submitted a grossly high proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 which did not
request funding for these additional troops in Iraq[25]. Congress
therefore took the reigns and agreed to Revising the congressional budget for the United States
Government for fiscal year 2007, establishing the congressional budget for the
United States Government for fiscal year 2008, and setting forth appropriate
budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012. H. CON.
RES. 99 that passed 216 to 210 on 29 March 2007, that was Resolved by the Senate with
the House of Representatives concurring in S.CON.RES.21.ES
that passed 52 to 47
on 23 March 2007. In making these
calculations the Senate has worked together to remove reference to social
security taxation and administration in their totals to expect only $1.9
trillion in revenues and approximately $2.3 trillion in spending. Funding is being regulated under Continuing Appropriations
Resolution, 2007 H.J.RES.20.PCS
that makes further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2007, and
became Public Law No: 110-5.
17. The $400 billion deficit is expected to bring the public debt to $8.9 trillion, $5 billion of which are held by the public. Social Security expects $637 billion in revenues and $447 billion in outlays, a $190 billion surplus. The military, has a budget of $619 billion with $560 billion in outlays, a $59 billion surplus without further investigation of both emergency supplemental and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 H.R.1585 that was placed on the Union Calendar, No. 86 on May 11, 2007. It should not be difficult to return $250 billion in funds for a deficit of only $150 billion. If waste, fraud and abuse in Defense programs can be reigned in for a gross aggregate military expenditure of not more than $400 billion it might be possible to balance the budget this year. International Affairs is showing improvement to $35 billion, 0.3% of the real GDP of $11 trillion, making progress towards the Goal of 0.7%. With these bills there is hope for a balanced budget if surplus funds can be returned to the Treasury and the war reserve can be limited to no more than 20% of real costs. It remains up to Congress to enforce the Balanced Budget Acts.
18. The dispute between the President and Congress
regarding the President’s troop surge and Congress’s desire to redeploy the
troops from Iraq caused unprecedented difficulties for the passage of the
annual emergency supplemental for the war in Iraq. The U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability
Act, 2007 H.R.1591 a $124.2 billion appropriations
bill for the Global War on Terrorism and numerous other projects, failed to
pass the House over the veto of the President by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3
required): 222 - 203, 1 Present (Roll no. 276). On May 10,2007 H. Res. 387
was agreed to by a
yea-and-nay vote of 219 yeas to 199 nays, Roll No. 327 to provide consideration
of three bills. H.R. 2237 to provide for the redeployment
of United States Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq so that only
certain Army Corp of Engineers and reconstruction projects would be approved
failed 171 ayes to 255 noes, that would have begun redeployment in 90 days and
finished in 180 days and prohibited further spending, in Roll No. 330. H.R.
2206 making $95
billion emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2007, $40 billion for immediate disbursement and releasing the
rest when Bush certifies that Iraq is meeting benchmarks and for other
purposes, that passed by 221 yeas to 205 nays, on Roll No. 333. H.R.
2207 making
supplemental appropriations for agricultural and other emergency assistance for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes that passed
302 yeas to 120 nays, Roll No. 336.
19. The Senate is entertaining the Support Our Troops Act
of 2007 (Placed on Calendar in Senate) S.1305.PCS a
bill making emergency war appropriations for American troops overseas, without
unnecessary pork barrel spending and without mandating surrender or retreat in
Iraq, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes in
Calendar No. 133. To make sense of the
plans for military spending in Iraq supplemental appropriations for defense and for the
reconstruction of Iraq for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, require
the President to submit a request for additional funding after certifying
substantial progress has been made in Iraq in meeting certain performance
measures. For military functions
administered by the Department of Defense, for necessary expenses to carry out
military operations in Iraq, $25,000,000,000, to remain available until
September 30, 2007. For necessary
expenses to carry out the purposes of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, for
security, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in Iraq, $25,000,000,000,
to remain available until September 30[26]
20. Funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the
Department of Defense under any provision of law may not be obligated or
expended to increase the number of members of the United States Armed Forces
serving in Iraq at any time in excess of the number of members serving in Iraq
as of January 1, 2007, unless a specific authorization for the increase is
enacted into law[27]. Congress is committed to providing full
protection for the troops and no action should undermine the safety of the US
Armed Forces[28] but is not
pleased to have to pay for the troop surge that they did not authorize[29]. The Service members Civil Relief Act was
proposed to be extended from 90 days to one year the period during which the
member is protected from mortgage foreclosure under that Act[30]. It is also proposed to provide for free
mailing privileges for personal correspondence and parcels sent to members of
the Armed Forces serving on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan any first-class
mail[31]. To conserve resources it is resolved to
establish reporting requirements relating to funds made available for military
operations in Iraq or the reconstruction of Iraq[32].
Government investigations and media reports have detailed waste, fraud, and
possible war profiteering by some of these contractors wherefore the Secretary
of Defense shall review all allegations of contracting impropriety[33].
21. To improve regulation Congress will create a Truman
Committee to conduct an ongoing study and investigation of the awarding and
carrying out of contracts by the United States to conduct activities with
regard to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and make such recommendations to the House
as the select Committee deems appropriate[34].
The Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, Secretary of the Interior, and
the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development are
requested to provide Congress[35]
with a detailed accounting of how military and reconstruction funds in Iraq
have been spent thus far of the types and terms of contracts awarded on behalf
of the United States, including the methods by which such contracts were
awarded and contractors selected, a description of efforts to obtain support
and assistance from other countries toward the rehabilitation of Iraq, an
assessment of what additional funding is needed to complete military operations
and reconstruction efforts in Iraq, including a plan for security of Iraq, a
detailed plan for how any future funds will be spent, and a statement of how
those funds will advance the interests of the United States in Iraq.
22. It is proposed to require accountability and enhanced
congressional oversight for personnel performing private security functions
under Federal contracts, and for other purposes. Estimates of the number of contract personnel in Iraq, including
private security contractors, vary widely. The United States Central Command
estimated the number to be 100,000 in 2006, and the Government Accountability
Office concluded in 2005 that `the Department of Defense (DOD) estimated at
least 60 private security providers were working in Iraq with perhaps as many
as 25,000 employees. In March 2006, the Director of the Private Security
Company Association of Iraq estimated that approximately 181 private security
companies were working in Iraq with just over 48,000 employees. The various
functions carried out by these personnel have entailed great danger to these
personnel, but exact numbers of casualties are unknown. Estimates suggest that
some 770 contractors have died, and thousands more have been wounded, in Iraq
since 2003. Accounting on numbers,
costs and training of private contractors should be reported to the area
commander[36].
23. The Government of the United States has expended,
through the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF), approximately 67
percent of the $20,912,000,000 in various reconstruction efforts in Iraq. To
require the Government of Iraq to match, dollar for dollar, the amount of
United States assistance awarded for the reconstruction of Iraq[37]. To improve coordination, implementation,
and oversight of United States economic reconstruction assistance for Iraq, and
for other purposes the President of the United States with the confirmation of
the Senate shall appoint a Coordinator of United States Economic Reconstruction
Assistance for Iraq $45 million for refugees, $60 million for internally
displaced persons, increasing limit on refugees from Iraq to US at least 20,000[38],
$10 million for expedited processing of DHS, $30 million Office of Refugee
Resettlement at DHHS an extending the functions of Inspector General for Iraq
Reconstruction. The President shall on a quarterly make economic reports on the
conditions in Iraq. Civilian
reconstruction volunteers solicited for the report of the Secretary of State[39].
24. Article 50(1) to Additional Protocol I to the Geneva
Convention defines civilian as, `any person who does not belong to one of the
categories of persons referred to in Article 4(A)(1), (2), (3), and (6) of the
Third Convention and in Article 43 of this Protocol. In the case of doubt
whether a person is a civilian, that person shall be considered a
civilian. Article 51(7) to the
Additional Protocol I of Geneva Convention states, `the presence or movement of
the civilian population or individual civilians shall not be used to render
certain points or areas immune from military operations, in particular in
attempts to shield military objectives from attacks or to shield, favour or
impede military operations. The Parties to the conflict shall not direct the
movement of the civilian population or individual civilians in order to attempt
to shield military objectives from attacks or to shield military
operations.' Article 28, Relative to
Convention IV, Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of the Geneva
Convention states, `The presence of a protected person may not be used to
render certain points or areas immune from military operations[40].
25. On August 11, 2006, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
stated, `Hezbollah and its sponsors have brought devastation upon the people of
Lebanon, dragging them into a war that they did not choose, and exploiting them
as human shields. Furthermore, the Quds
Force, also known as the Qods Force, is a unit of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary
Guards Corps which carries out military operations outside of Iran and is
responsible for the export of terrorism for Iran. The Quds Force provides weapons to and conducts paramilitary
training and provides organizational, financial, and planning support for terrorist
groups, namely Hamas, Hizbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Al Aqsa
Martyr's Brigades, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of
Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), each of which is designated by the
Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization under section 219 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act 8 U.S.C. 1189[41].
26. Congress supports a United Nations Emergency Peace
Service capable of intervening in the early stages of a humanitarian crisis
could save millions of lives, billions of dollars, and is in the interests of
the United States. At the 2005 World
Summit, over 150 heads of state signed a document which the United Nations
General Assembly adopted, declaring that `we are prepared to take collective
action, in a timely and decisive manner, through the Security Council ...
should peaceful means be inadequate and national authorities manifestly fail to
protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and
crimes against humanity. The
international community spent approximately $200,000,000,000 on conflict
management during the 1990s approximately $130,000,000,000 of that amount could
have been saved through a more effective preventive approach to conflict
management. UNEPS could be created for
a start-up cost of $2,000,000,000 and annual costs of less than $1,000,000,000:
The United States should use its voice, vote, and influence at the United
Nations to facilitate and support the creation of a United Nations Emergency
Peace Service (UNEPS) that should be able to provide an integrated service
encompassing 12,000 to 18,000 civilian, police, judicial, military, and relief
professionals[42].
27. To enhance the overseas stabilization and reconstruction capabilities of
the United States Government, and for other purposes Congress finds that the
resources of the United States Armed Forces have been burdened by having to
undertake stabilization and reconstruction tasks in the Balkans, Afghanistan,
Iraq, and other countries of the world that could have been performed by
civilians, which has resulted in lengthy deployments for Armed Forces
personnel. To provide for the continued
development, as a core mission of the Department of State and the United States
Agency for International Development, of an effective expert civilian response
capability to carry out reconstruction and stabilization activities in a
country or region that is at risk of, in, or is in transition from, conflict or
civil strife[43]. To
authorize the presentation of flags at the funerals of civilian Federal
employees engaged in the support of military operations who have died in combat
zones in the course of their duties[44].
28. The civil war in Iraq was predicted by United States military
commanders before the 2003 occupation of Iraq[45]. The Bush Administration had been warned that
while military action against the Hussein regime would likely succeed,
rebuilding Iraq and winning the peace would be more difficult. In particular,
intelligence reports from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon's Joint
Staff, the Department of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research, and the
Central Intelligence Agency's National Intelligence Council warned that United
States troops could face significant postwar resistance. An Army War College
report from February 2003 warned that without an `overwhelming' effort to
prepare for the United States occupation of Iraq, `The United States may find
itself in a radically different world over the next few years, a world in which
the threat of Saddam Hussein seems like a pale shadow of new problems of
America's own making.' Despite these
warnings, the Bush Administration invaded Iraq without a comprehensive plan in
place to secure and rebuild the country[46].
29. The Gulf War of 1992 did settle cleanly although Bush
Sr. swiftly withdrew troops after crushing the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait. On October 31, 1998, the Iraq Liberation Act
of 1998 (Public Law 105-338) was enacted into law without mentioning the fact
that the US was bombing Iraq on a daily basis under the guise of a no fly zone
whereas the US Ambassador to the UN Security Council would suppress this
critical evidence. When Bush and Cheney
took office the first goal they expressed was to attack Iraq that Congress
refused whereas they were only willing to fight a defensive war. After being corrupted by the suicide attacks
of 911 and the bloodshed in Operation Enduring Freedom on October 16, 2002, the
Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public
Law 107-243) was enacted into law.
30. On March 19, 2003, the President, pursuant to the
authorities provided to the President by Public Law 107-243, committed United
States Armed Forces to combat operations in Iraq. On April 9, 2003, Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime fell to
Coalition Forces and on April 16, 2003, the Emergency Wartime Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108-11) was enacted into law, which
included $2,500,000,000 for the relief and reconstruction of Iraq. On May 1, 2003, under a banner displaying
the words `Mission Accomplished,' President George W. Bush stated: `Major
combat operations in Iraq have ended.'. At that point, the occupation of Iraq
began. On May 12, 2003, the Coalition
Provisional Authority (CPA) subsumed the Organization for Reconstruction and
Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA), and citing United Nations Security Council
Resolution 1483 (2003) and the laws of war, vested itself with executive,
legislative, and judicial authority over the Iraqi government until such time
as the Iraqi government gained its sovereignty. On May 13, 2003, the President stated, `We will stay as long as
necessary to make sure that the Iraqi people have a government of, by and for
the Iraqi people. And then we'll come home.
31. On November 6, 2003, the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and
Afghanistan, 2004 (Public Law 108-106) was enacted into law, which included an
additional $18,400,000,000 for the relief and reconstruction of Iraq pursuant
to the Madrid Conference It was not
until June 8, 2004 that the occupation of Iraq was tacitly acknowledged by the
United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1546 (2004), endorsing the
transition of sovereignty from the Coalition Provisional Authority to the
Interim Government of Iraq, reaffirming the responsibilities of the interim
government, and detailing the duration and legal status of Coalition Forces in
Iraq, as well as authorizing a Coalition component force to protect United
Nations personnel and facilities. April
13, 2004, President George W. Bush stated: `As a proud and independent people,
Iraqis do not support an indefinite occupation and neither does America’.
32. On June 28, 2004, the new Iraqi government gained its
sovereignty. On January 30, 2005, the
Iraqi people successfully elected their first interim National Assembly, and 18
provincial and various local government councils. On March 16, 2005, the 275-member interim Iraqi National Assembly
convened to appoint an interim national government and to begin the drafting of
a constitution. On September 18, 2005,
the interim Iraqi National Assembly completed negotiations on the draft
constitution. On October 15, 2005, the
Iraqi people approved the draft constitution by a national referendum
33. On November 8, 2005, the United Nations Security
Council adopted Resolution 1637 (2005), extending the Coalition Forces'
military mandate, pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546
(2004), in Iraq to December 31, 2006.
On February 17, 2005, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, testifying
before the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, stated: `We have no
intention, at the present time, of putting permanent bases in Iraq’. On November 18, 2005, the House of
Representatives failed to agree to H. Res. 571, expressing the sense of the
House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be
terminated immediately, by a vote of 3 to 403, with six members voting
present. On November 30, 2005, the
President, through the National Security Council, issued the National Strategy
for Victory in Iraq.
34. On December 15, 2005, the people of Iraq voted to elect
the first permanent National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution of
the Republic of Iraq. In January 2006 a
University of Maryland Program on International Policy Attitudes poll found
that even if the Government of Iraq asked the United States to withdraw its
military forces in 6 months, 76 percent of Iraqis would assume the United
States would refuse to do so. The
perception that the United States intends to permanently occupy Iraq aids
insurgent groups in recruiting supporters and fuels violent activity. On March 16, 2006, the newly-elected National
Assembly convened for their first session.
On May 20, 2006, the Iraqi Prime Minister-designee named a cabinet,
except for the posts of Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior, and the
Prime Minister-designee and the cabinet received a vote of confidence from the
National Assembly. On June 7, 2006,
Iraq's National Assembly approved the individuals that the Iraqi Prime Minister
nominated for Minister of Defense, Minister of Interior, and National Security
Advisor, completing the formation of Iraq's first permanent democratic
government
35. On June 15, 2006, the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane
Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109-234), was enacted into law, providing
$400,000,000 for civil-military Provincial Reconstruction Teams, composed of
members of the United States Armed Forces and Coalition Forces and personnel of
the Department of State, United States Agency for International Development,
Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
and contract personnel
36. On June 25, 2006, the Iraqi Prime Minister released a
24-point plan for national reconciliation.
The Iraq Study Group was formed at the urging of Congress, and
the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War On
Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109-234), provided $1,000,000
for Iraq Study Group operations. Members of the Iraq Study Group
were appointed in March 2006 and were responsible for providing a
forward-looking, independent assessment of the strategic environment in and
around Iraq, the security of Iraq and key challenges to enhancing security
within the country, political developments within Iraq following the elections
and formation of the new government, the economy and reconstruction, and how
the situation in Iraq affects the surrounding region as well as United States
interests. President Bush codified the
prohibition on the establishment of permanent military bases in Iraq using
funds available for fiscal year 2007 by signing into law H.R. 5631 (`An Act
making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2007, and for other purposes'; Public Law 109-289) on September
29, 2006, and H.R. 5122 (the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2007; Public Law 109-364) on October 17, 2006.
37. On July 27, 2006, the Government of Iraq and the United
Nations, with the support of the World Bank, announced the formal launch of a
five-year international compact with Iraq that, with the participation of other
multilateral organizations and countries, including the United States, aims to
achieve a national vision for Iraq as a united, federal, and democratic
country. On December 6, 2006, the Iraq
Study Group released its report titled, `The Iraq Study Group Report'. The Iraq Study Group Report recommends: `The
President should state that the United States does not seek permanent military
bases in Iraq. Congress declares that
it is the policy of the United States not to establish any military
installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing
of United States Armed Forces in Iraq; and not to exercise United States
control of the oil resources of Iraq[47]. On December 30, 2006, Saddam Hussein was
executed by the Government of Iraq. On
January 10, 2007, the President addressed the American people and provided a
plan entitled `The New Way Forward in Iraq'.
38. On September 30, 2006, there were an estimated
24,000,000 living veterans 7.8 percent of the total estimated resident
population of the United States and Puerto Rico are recipients, or potential
recipients, of veterans' benefits from the Federal Government. For fiscal year 2008, it is estimated that
there will be 5,800,000 veterans seeking medical care from the Federal
Government, and that 2,800,000 veterans will receive compensation for
service-related conditions. Effective
care for the Armed Forces and Veterans is important[48]
for veterans of the War on Terrorism[49]. According to a 2003 study conducted by the
United States Army, 15 to 20 percent, 1 in 6[50],
of veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are showing symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder `PTSD'.
Approximately 20 to 25 percent of the women who served in Vietnam and in
the Persian Gulf War developed PTSD, and psychologists are expecting figures to
be at least as high for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The long-term costs of treating members of the Armed Forces
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan could ultimately reach $700,000,000,000,
with post-traumatic stress disorder projected to be one of the most expensive
conditions to treat. The Department of
Veterans Affairs should better prepare its police force to interact with
patients and visitors at Department medical facilities who suffer from mental
illness[51]. The civil rights of veterans alleged to be
mentally ill must be protected to prevent unjustified hospitalizations and
discrimination preventing them from telling the truth about the war. PTSD is a real concern.
39. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly
one in three veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom sought mental
health care within one year after their return from combat in Iraq or
Afghanistan. The Department of Defense
reports that more than 10 percent of all medical evacuations from Iraq and
Afghanistan are for mental health reasons. The Department of Veterans Affairs
has already seen and diagnosed more than 73,000 veterans with a mental health
condition at Veterans Affairs hospitals, and more than 144,000 were provided
mental health counseling for post-combat readjustment problems[52]. The Department of Defense is facing a
shortage of mental health professionals. The Department has had as many as 450
psychologists on active duty in the Armed Forces in past years. However, the
Department currently has only 350 psychologists on active duty in the Armed
Forces in support of combat operations. Approximately 40 percent of the billets
for licensed clinical psychologists in the Army are vacant, and there are
shortages in other mental health professions, including psychiatry and clinical
social work. The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Department of
Defense at least two centers of excellence in military mental health. Each such
center shall be known as a `Center of Excellence in Military Mental Health[53]. Currently, there are 700,000 children in the
United States with at least one parent deployed to support ongoing military
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
40. Whereas many of the brave men and women who have served
the United States so gallantly and selflessly in the war on terrorism and the war
in Iraq since September 11, 2001, are beginning to return home to be reunited
with their loved ones and will be re-entering the workforce or searching for
their first jobs outside of military service; Congress encourages the President
to issue a proclamation calling upon employers, labor organizations, veterans
service organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental agencies to
lend their support to increase employment of the men and women who have served
in the Armed Forces of the United States[54]
and work credit for employers of veterans of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq[55]. Fort Worth Airport welcomes 200 troops
coming home a day[56]. If a member of the National Guard serves on
active duty for one year or more in support of a contingency operation or
homeland defense mission, the member shall be given the option of serving on
full-time National Guard duty for up to 90 days upon being relieved from that
active duty in order to ease the transition of the member to civilian life[57].
41. Pell Grant eligibility for any student whose parent or
guardian died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan
after September 11, 2001 shall be ensured under Section 401(f) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(f). Congress seeks to provide certain
enhancements to the Montgomery GI Bill Program for certain individuals who
serve as members of the Armed Forces after the September 11, 2001, terrorist
attacks, and for other purposes and notwithstanding section 3011(b) or 3012 of title
38, United States Code, so that no reduction in basic pay otherwise required by
such section shall be made in the case of a covered member of the Armed Forces[58]. August 16, 2007 is designated `National
Airborne Day' whereas that day marks the anniversary of the first official Army
parachute jump on August 16, 1940[59].
Whereas more than 1,000,000 brave men and women from the United States have
died in military conflicts from the time of the Revolutionary War through
Operation Iraqi Freedom the United States flag flown over the United States
Capitol should be lowered to half-mast one day each month[60]. Restriction of the attendance of family, the
press and public at military facilities for mourning shall be lifted[61].
42. The President must develop a plan containing dates
certain for the commencement and completion of a phased redeployment of United
States Armed Forces from Iraq[62]. The President must submit a status of forces
brief to the Iraqi Government[63]
and determine whether the Government of Iraq has given United States Armed
Forces and Iraqi Security Forces the authority to pursue all extremists,
including Sunni insurgents and Shiite militias, and is making substantial
progress in delivering necessary Iraqi Security Forces for Baghdad and
protecting such Forces from political interference; intensifying efforts to
build balanced security forces throughout Iraq that provide even-handed
security for all Iraqis; eliminating militia control of local security;
establishing a strong militia disarmament program; ensuring fair and just
enforcement of laws; establishing political, media, economic, and service
committees in support of the Baghdad Security Plan; and eradicating safe
havens. The Government of Iraq must make substantial progress in meeting its
commitment to pursue reconciliation initiatives, including enactment of a
hydro-carbon law; adoption of legislation necessary for the conduct of
provincial and local elections; reform of current laws governing the
de-Baathification process; amendment of the Constitution of Iraq; and
allocation of Iraqi revenues for reconstruction projects. Ultimately the Government of Iraq and United
States Armed Forces must make substantial progress in reducing the level of
sectarian violence in Iraq[64].
43. In an October 2005 referendum, the Iraqi people voted
to approve Iraq's Constitution, setting up an Islamic federal democracy while
strengthening the rights of women and minorities in that country. On December 15, 2005, Iraqis voted in the
first multi-party elections in that country in 50 years. It is not the intent of Congress to question
or contravene the authority of the President, but to accept the offer to
Congress made by the President on January 10, 2007, that, `if members have
improvements that can be made, we will make them. If circumstances change, we
will adjust'[65]. Consolidation of Congressional plans call
upon the Iraqi Government to show visible signs of progress towards meeting
eight specific benchmarks,
A. Iraqi Forces - the assumption by Iraq of control of its
military to pursue those who engage in violence or threaten the security of the
Iraq population, regardless of sect or political affiliation by developing and
implementing a rotation schedule that allows all Iraqi Army battalions to
participate in operations in battlefield conditions, such as those combat
conditions found in Baghdad and al Anbar Province
B. Regulating the Militia - the enactment of a Militia Law
to disarm and demobilize militias, including the Badr Brigade and Jaish al
Mahdi and to ensure that provincial Iraqi security forces are accountable only
to the central government and loyal to the constitution of Iraq by purging
individuals with ties to insurgents, sectarian militias, and terrorism from the
security services while building an effective, independent judiciary that will
uphold the rule of law, and ensure equal protection under the law for all
citizens of Iraq and adopt reforms to promote justice, equality, and the rule
of law, and ensuring financial and transparent accountability of all Iraqi
Government ministries and operations.
C. Constitutional Reform - the completion of the review of
the constitution of Iraq and the holding of a referendum on special amendments
to the constitution of Iraq under Article 137 of the Constitution to ensure
fair and equitable participation in the Government of Iraq without regard to
religious sect or ethnicity while developing and implementing a strategy to
promote tolerance, peace, and co-existence among Iraqis, which should particularly
address how to decrease sectarian tensions and violence.
D. Provincial Elections - the completion of provincial
election law and preparation for the conduct of provincial elections that
ensures equitable constitution of provincial representative bodies without
regard to religious sect or ethnicity.
E. Oil Revenue Sharing Law - The enactment and
implementation of legislation to ensure that the resources and oil revenues of
Iraq benefit Sunni Arabs, Shia Arabs, Kurds, and other Iraqi citizens in an equitable
manner providing and ensuring equal access to resources to all Iraqis and
augmenting the capability of reconstruction programs and economic institutions[66]
F. De-Ba’athification Process - the enactment and
implementation of legislation that equitably reforms the de-Ba'athification
process in Iraq under which members critical to the functioning of a civil
society are allowed to reenter Iraq’s political and economic life[67].
G. $10 billion Iraq Contribution to Reconstruction -
expending promised funds to provide basic services and employment opportunities
for all Iraqis, including a $10 billion fund for reconstruction and job
creation, and ensuring that these funds reach both Sunni and Shi’ia areas,
including Sunni neighborhoods in Baghdad and largely Sunni Anbar Province[68].
H. Diplomacy - co-operating and coordinating
internationally to help stabilize Iraq while denying terrorists and their
state-sponsors, particularly Iran and Syria, the use of Iraqi territory as a
terrorist sanctuary [69]
44. Congress has appropriated over $15 billion to train and
equip the security forces of Iraq since April 2004. In a November 2006 Department of Defense report to Congress
regarding the status of security in Iraq, 91 of 118 battalions, 30 of 36
brigades, and six of ten divisions were in the lead when conducting operations,
with the United States in supporting roles. The Iraqi Ground Forces Command had
command and control of two of the ten Iraqi Army divisions and only two of
Iraq's 18 provinces were in Provincial Iraqi Control, operating independently
of Coalition forces. In an effort to
allow Iraqis to take over security operations, approximately 265,000 Iraqi
Security Forces (ISF) have received varying levels of training, nearing the
total force goal of 325,000 by August 2007[70]. The Administration has reported in the March
2007 report entitled `Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq' that the number
of Iraqi security forces nearing combat proficiency is 328,700
Level 1 means a battalion that can conduct independent combat
operations without support from Coalition forces in Iraq
Level 2 means a battalion that can conduct independent
combat operations, but only with logistical support, or non-combat-related
support from Coalition forces in Iraq. The Coalition forces will not help with
direct combat in support of the battalion
Level 3 means a battalion that can participate in combat
operations alongside Coalition forces, but cannot conduct independent combat
operations without direct combat support from Coalition forces in Iraq
Level 4 means a battalion that cannot participate in combat
operations, even with support from Coalition forces in Iraq[71].
45. Only approximately 10,000 of the more than 370,000
small arms weapons purchased by the DoD for the Iraqi Security Services may
have been properly registered in the Department of Defense's Registry of the
Small Arms Serialization Program and better regulation is needed[72]. Private contributors have supplied Iraqi
police forces with over 20,000 bulletproof vests to date[73]
and US forces with 35,000 helmet upgrade kits[74].
Congress is of the opinion that the Government of Iraq should not grant blanket
amnesty to persons known to have attacked, killed, or wounded members of the
United States Armed Forces subsequent to December 15, 2005, the date on which
the people of Iraq elected a permanent government of Iraq[75].
46. Congress is of the opinion to enhance America's
security through redeployment from Iraq.
The worsening situation in Iraq is a product of ongoing sectarian
violence in which the United States Armed Forces have been asked to take sides
and referee an ongoing civil war.
Sending more United States troops to Iraq, and remaining there
indefinitely, will only further increase the dependence of the people of Iraq
on the United States, both politically and militarily, at a time when Iraqis
should be shouldering increased responsibility for their country[76]. The insurgency in Iraq has been fueled by
the United States occupation and the prospect of a long-term presence as
indicated by the building of permanent United States military bases. A United States declaration of an intention
to withdraw United States troops and close military bases will help dampen the
insurgency which has been inspired to resist colonization and fight aggressors
and those who have supported United States policy. The cost of withdrawing United States troops from Iraq could be
as low as $10 billion according to the Congressional Budget Office[77]. Two bills, not including the emergency
supplemental have already failed.
Several bills have been introduced to redeploy troops from Iraq they are
listed below with a caption and letter grade signifying their merit in the
opinion of this author. Congress should
enroll these bills for passage on a daily basis for a vote on redeployment not
less than once a week to be effective.
A. Expressing the sense of Congress that Iraq should vote to approve or disapprove the continued deployment of United States Armed Forces to Iraq H.CON.RES.110 that requires Iraq to vote to approve or disapprove the continued deployment of United States Armed Forces to Iraq and, unless 60% of the Iraq Council of Representatives or Iraqi general voting public votes to approve such continued deployment, the President of the United States should commence the phased redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq within 60 days of the Iraqi vote[78]. A+
B. Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 S.433 the phased redeployment of the
Armed Forces of the United States from Iraq shall commence not later than May
1, 2007 to achieve the goal of the complete redeployment of all United States
combat brigades from Iraq by March 31, 2008.
If Iraq so desires and complies with numerous requirement the
redeployment can be suspended. In 90
days the President shall submit a report on progress of Iraq and the
redeployment. A
C. Comprehensive Strategy for Iraq Act of 2007 H.R.645 provides a plan for phasing out
the number of members of the Armed Forces in Iraq so that the use of military
force, as authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against
Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note), ends no
later than December 31, 2007. $2
billion are appropriated each year for employment, democracy and governance
2008-2010. A.
D. Bring the Troops Home and Iraq Sovereignty Restoration
Act of 2007 H.R.508 requires United States military
disengagement from Iraq, to provide United States assistance for reconstruction
and reconciliation in Iraq. The
Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public
Law 107-243; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) is repealed.
Not later than the end of the six-month period beginning on the date of
the enactment of this Act, all United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq shall
be withdrawn from Iraq and returned to the United States or redeployed outside
of the Middle East. Troops may be
redeployed if the Iraqi government requests such a re-stabilization
effort. No private or foreign
contractor may enter into Iraq petroleum contracts. $100 million to survey damages.
$500 million for Iraqi reconstruction corps. $250 million for the destruction of land mines. $500 million to
dispose of fortifications. $250 million for archaeological restoration. $200
million for tort claims. $25 million Iraq institute of Peace. $1 billion
international fund for to redevelop civic institutions. $1.7 billion public
health. Assured health funding for Veterans. Joint Select Committee. A
E. To end the United States occupation of Iraq immediately H.R.1234 calls for the United States to end
the occupation of Iraq immediately, simultaneously with the introduction of a
United Nations-led international peacekeeping force. The United States should provide funding for a United Nations
peacekeeping mission, in which 50 percent of the peacekeeping troops should
come from nations with large Muslim populations the international security
force, under United Nations direction, should remain in place until the Iraqi
Government is capable of handling its own security. Not later than the end of the 3-month period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act, all United States Armed Forces serving in
Iraq shall be completely withdrawn from Iraq and returned to the United States
or redeployed outside of the Middle East.
This solution upholds international law. A
F. Protect the Troops and Bring Them Home Act of 2007 H.R.455 funds appropriated or otherwise
made available to the Department of Defense under any provision of law may be
obligated or expended within the Republic of Iraq only for the purpose of
providing for the continued protection of members of the Armed Forces who are
in Iraq pending their withdrawal, the safe and orderly withdrawal of the United
States Armed Forces from Iraq pursuant to a schedule that provides for
commencement of the withdrawal not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and completion of the withdrawal not later than December
31, 2007. A-
G. United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 S.J.RES.9
failed to pass in
Senate by a Yea-Nay Vote of 48 to 50 was recorded as Vote Number: 75. The bill calls for the President
shall commence the phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq not
later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this joint resolution,
with the goal of redeploying, by March 31, 2008. This bill differs from the bills above in that it requires that
not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every
90 days thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the
progress made in transitioning the mission of the United States forces in Iraq
and implementing the phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq. B+
H. To provide for the redeployment of United States Armed
Forces and defense contractors from Iraq H.R.2237 failed to pass 171 - 255 (Roll
no. 330). Not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence
the redeployment. The Secretary of
Defense shall complete the redeployment of the Armed Forces and defense
contractors from Iraq within 180 days.
Troops shall be redeployed anywhere outside of Iraq where that
government has invited them. B+
I. Enhancing America's Security through Redeployment from
Iraq Act H.R.960
proposes to enhance
the national security interests of the United States both at home and abroad by
setting a deliberate timetable for the redeployment of United States Armed
Forces from Iraq by December 31, 2007 to locations within the Middle East or
Southwest Asia regions or to other regions or nations, or returned to the
United States. B+
J. Iraq Troop Protection and Reduction Act of 2007 S.670
aims to protect and
reduce levels of United States military forces in Iraq completing redeployment
from Iraq by the end of the current term in office of the President. B+
K. New Direction for Iraq Act of 2007 H.R.663 provides that not later than 30
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
shall begin the redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq in the
shortest possible time frame of not more than one year. No permanent military base or US ownership
of oil. Seeks to provide assistance
through business and civil sector for which $40 million are appropriated
annually 2007-2010. Calls for disarming
of militias under the neutral international advisors. Seeks to terminate all unfulfilled contracts. Establishes a bilateral refugee program for
20,000 unallocated refugee admissions, from Iraq, authorized by Presidential
Determination No. 2007-1. B+
L. To safely redeploy United States troops from Iraq H.R.2031 and
S.1077 call for the President to
commence the safe, phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq not
later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and that no
funds appropriated or otherwise made available under any provision of law may
be obligated or expended to continue the deployment in Iraq of members of the
United States Armed Forces after March 31, 2008. Exempt from these conditions are targeted operations, limited in
duration and scope, against members of al Qaeda and other international
terrorist organizations, troops providing security for United States
infrastructure and personnel and those training and equipping Iraqi security
services. B
M. To redeploy U.S. forces from Iraq H.J.RES.18
whereas
over 91 percent of Sunni Iraqis and 74 percent of Shiite Iraqis want the U.S.
forces out of Iraq and 61 percent of the Iraqi people feel that the attacks on
U.S. forces are justified the deployment of United States forces in Iraq, by
direction of Congress, is hereby terminated and the forces involved are to be
redeployed at the earliest practicable date.
A quick-reaction U.S. force and an over-the-horizon presence of U.S.
Marines shall be deployed in the region.
The United States of America shall pursue security and stability in Iraq
through diplomacy. B
N. To provide for the redeployment of United States forces
from Iraq H.R.1837 and S.121
calls for not later
than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President, in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall
transmit to Congress a plan, containing dates certain, for the commencement and
completion of a phased redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq
taking into consideration the capability of equivalent Iraqi security
forces. The Iraqi National Council will
vote on the plan and 60% must ratify it. B
O. Change the Course in Iraq Act H.R.1460 commends the members of the
United States Armed Forces on their performance and bravery in Iraq, repeals
the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law
107-243), to require the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a plan for
the phased redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq in 60 days, to
establish a Coordinator for Iraq Stabilization in 30 days, and to place
conditions on the obligation of funds to the Government of Iraq based on the
achievement of benchmarks established by Iraq and the United States. B
P. To provide a comprehensive strategy for stabilizing Iraq
and redeploying United States troops from Iraq within one year S.679 prohibits the use of funds to
continue deployment of the United States Armed Forces in Iraq beyond six months
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Exempt are those conducting targeted counterterrorism operations in
Iraq, providing security for United States infrastructure and civilian
personnel and those training Iraqi security personnel. Not later than 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of State shall jointly submit to Congress a report describing a
strategy for the redeployment of members of the Armed Forces from Iraq not
later than 180 days after such date of enactment containing estimates of
exemptions. B-
Q. Iraq Redeployment Act of 2007 S.448 prohibits the use of funds to
continue deployment of the United States Armed Forces in Iraq beyond six months
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Exempt are those conducting targeted counterterrorism operations in
Iraq, providing security for United States infrastructure and civilian
personnel and those training Iraqi security personnel. B-
R. Iraq Benchmarks Act H.R.1263 redeploys United States Armed
Forces from the non-Kurdish areas of Iraq if certain security, political, and
economic benchmarks relating to Iraq are not met. If the President is unable to make the
determinations regarding deadlines specified in such section, or if a joint
resolution disapproving any such determination is enacted into law, then the
Secretary of Defense shall, not later than 30 days or the date of the enactment
of the joint resolution, commence the redeployment of the Armed Forces from the
non-Kurdish areas of Iraq, and complete such redeployment not later than 180
days after the date of the commencement of such redeployment. B-
S. Military Success in Iraq And Diplomatic Surge for
National and Political Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2007 H.R.930 determines the authorization of
military force contained in Public Law 107-243 has expired. Not later than October 1, 2007, or 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, whichever shall occur first, all
units and members of the Armed Forces deployed to Iraq and all security forces
under contract or subcontract with the United States Government and working in
Iraq shall be withdrawn from Iraq. B-
47. Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution
grants Congress the power `to declare war,' to lay and collect taxes, to
`provide for the common defense' and general welfare of the United States, to
`raise and support armies,' to `provide and maintain a navy,' to `make rules
for the regulation for the land and naval forces,' to `provide for calling
forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and
repel invasions,' to `provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the
militia,' and to `make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into
execution all powers vested by the Constitution in the Government of the United
States'. Congress is not only
responsible for declaring war but for bringing their troops home safely and for
disciplining them, including the commander and chief who has been convicted by
the 110th Congress of the impeachable offense of treason in H.RES.157. The Speaker of the House made a serious mistake, in the opinion of
both parties who can only agree that they dislike the actions of the President,
when she took impeachment off the table because it enabled the President to act
with impunity in regards to troop surge in retaliation against the Iraq Study
Group Report. It has however been
re-introduced that Richard B. Cheney, Vice President of the United States, is
impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors H.RES.333 and the Speaker is recommended to
relinquish her ban on the proceedings now under the heading of Bush and Dick v.
Her Majesty the Queen HA-3-3-05
although the unauthorized troop surge presents enough justification for
impeachment.
48. In conclusion Congress must be more effective in their resolve to bring the troops home safely. There is no more effective method than utilizing Iraq democracy whereas it the Iraqi political situation that we are trying to save from sectarian violence. Therefore Expressing the sense of Congress that Iraq should vote to approve or disapprove the continued deployment of United States Armed Forces to Iraq H.CON.RES.110 that requires Iraq to vote to approve or disapprove the continued deployment of United States Armed Forces to Iraq and, unless 60% of the Iraq Council of Representatives or Iraqi general voting public votes to approve such continued deployment, the President of the United States should commence the phased redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq within 60 days of the Iraqi vote is the most highly recommended act for both Congress and the Iraqi National Council to pass.
49. To better regulate the
withdrawal Bring the Troops Home and Iraq Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2007 H.R.508 that requires
United States military disengagement from Iraq and makes many conscientious
plans for reconstruction and to end the United States occupation of Iraq immediately H.R.1234
calls for the United
States to end the occupation of Iraq immediately, simultaneously with the
introduction of a 50% Muslim United Nations-led international peacekeeping
force whose completion date might be overridden by the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 S.433 that plans for the phased
redeployment of the Armed Forces of the United States from Iraq to commence not
later than May 1, 2007 to achieve the goal of the complete redeployment of all
United States combat brigades from Iraq by March 31, 2008 as recommended by the
Iraq Study Group. Not a week should go
by that Congress does not vote on a Iraq withdrawal bill. The merits are a continuing plan for the
funding Iraqi civil society, a plan for vacating the Middle East entirely so as
not let the conflict smolder as it did for a decade before our occupation, and
most of all deference to Iraqi parliamentary democracy.
50. Bibliography
[1] Whereas the
United States has the best trained, most effective military in the world; (Introduced
in House)[H.RES.163.IH]
[2] Mental Health Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act (Introduced in Senate)[S.1196.IS]
[3] Iraq
Contingency Planning Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.1183.IH]
Mark Udall
[4] Expressing the
sense of Congress that the President should not order an escalation in the
total number of members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq.
(Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.23.IH]
[5] Whereas the
United States has the best trained, most effective military in the world;
(Introduced in House)[H.RES.163.IH]
[6] Expressing the
sense of Congress that the President should not initiate military action
against Iran without first obtaining authorization from Congress. (Introduced
in House)[H.CON.RES.33.IH]
[7] To express the
sense of Congress on Iraq. (Placed on Calendar in Senate)[S.470.PCS]
[8] Democratic Congressman Murtha's resolution (H. J. Res. 73),17 November 2005
[9] Republican Hunter Resolution
(H. Res. 571)
[10] H.CON.RES.197 of June 30, 2005
[11] Woolsley, Lunn
Congresswoman. House
Continuing Resolution 35
[12] Bring the Troops Home HJ Res. 70
by US Rep. David Price (D-NC-4th) and Brad Miller (D-
NC-13th)
[13] HJ RES 55 - Homeward Bound
– of June 16, 2005 Withdrawal of United States Armed Forces From Iraq
Resolution of 2005 by Neil Abercrombie (D-HI 1st)
[14] Expressing the
sense of Congress that the President should implement Recommendation 9 of the
Iraq Study Group Report. (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.43.IH]
[15] Expressing the
sense of Congress on the new strategy in Iraq. (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.45.IH]
[16] Iraq Policy Revitalization
and Congressional Oversight Enhancement Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.744.IH]
Madelaine Z. Bordallo
[17] Iraq War
De-Escalation Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate)[S.433.IS]
Obama
[18] Change the
Course in Iraq Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.1460.IH]
[19] Security and Victory in Iraq Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.1062.IH] John Boehner
[20] Expressing the
bipartisan resolution on Iraq. (Introduced in Senate)[S.CON.RES.2.IS]
[21] To express the
sense of Congress on Iraq. (Placed on Calendar in Senate)[S.470.PCS]
Expressing the sense of Congress on Iraq. (Introduced in Senate)[S.CON.RES.7.IS],
Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should not order an
escalation in the total number of members of the United States Armed Forces
serving in Iraq. (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.23.IH],
Whereas the current strategy in Iraq is not working to achieve the national
security objectives of the United States; (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.65.IH],
To prohibit an escalation in United States military forces in Iraq without
prior authorization by Congress. (Introduced in Senate)[S.308.IS],
. To express the sense of Congress on Iraq. (Placed on Calendar in
Senate)[S.574.PCS]
[22] Expressing the
sense of Congress on Iraq. (Introduced in Senate)[S.CON.RES.4.IS]
[23] Resolved, That Richard B. Cheney, Vice President of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to... (Introduced in House)[H.RES.333.IH]
[24] Providing for
consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 63) disapproving of
the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more
than 20,000 additional... (Reported in House)[H.RES.157.RH]
2/13/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution
Agreed to by recorded vote: 232 - 192 (Roll no. 97). Resolved by the House of
Representatives (the Senate concurring), That-- (Referred to Senate Committee
after being Received from House)[H.CON.RES.63.RFS]
[25] Iraq
Contingency Planning Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.1183.IH]
Mark Udall
[26] Supplemental Appropriations
Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq, 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.775.IH]
[27] To prohibit an
escalation in the number of members of the United States Armed Forces deployed
in Iraq. (Introduced in House)[H.R.438.IH]
[28] Expressing the sense of the Senate that no action should be taken to undermine the safety of the Armed Forces of the United States or impact their ability to complete their assigned duties... (Agreed to by Senate)[S.RES.107.ATS], Expressing the sense of the Senate that no action should be taken to undermine the safety of the Armed Forces of the United States or impact their ability to complete their assigned... (Introduced in Senate)[S.RES.101.IS]
[29] To prohibit the use of funds for an escalation of United States military forces in Iraq above the numbers existing as of January 9, 2007. (Introduced in Senate)[S.233.IS], To prohibit the use of funds for an escalation of United States military forces in Iraq above the numbers existing as of January 9, 2007. (Placed on Calendar in Senate)[S.287.PCS], To prohibit the use of funds for an escalation of United States forces in Iraq above the numbers existing as of January 9, 2007. (Introduced in House)[H.R.353.IH]
[30] To amend the Servicemembers
Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to one year the period after release of
a member of the Armed Forces from active duty during which the member is...
(Introduced in House)[H.R.1750.IH]
[31] Supply Our
Soldiers Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.1439.IH]
[32] War Funding
Accountability Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.714.IH]
[33] Iraq
Contracting Fraud Review Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.528.IH]
[34] Providing for
Operation Iraqi Freedom cost accountability. (Introduced in House)[H.RES.97.IH]
[35] Iraq and
Afghanistan Contractor Sunshine Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.897.IH]
[36] Transparency
and Accountability in Military and Security Contracting Act of 2007 (Introduced
in Senate)[S.674.IS]
Barack Obama
[37] Partnership
for Iraq Reconstruction Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.1325.IH]
[38] To amend the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to expand the provision
of special immigrant status for certain aliens, including translators or
interpreters, serving... (Introduced in House)[H.R.1790.IH]
[39] Iraq
Reconstruction Improvement Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.1581.IH]
[40] Whereas the term `human shields' refers to the use of civilians, prisoners of war, or other noncombatants whose mere presence is designed to protect combatants and objects from attack; (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)[H.RES.125.EH] /25/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
[41] To urge the
Secretary of State to designate the Quds Force, a unit of Iran's Islamic
Revolutionary Guards Corps, as a foreign terrorist organization. (Introduced in
House)[H.R.1324.IH]
[42] Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a United Nations Emergency Peace Service capable of intervening in the early stages of a humanitarian crisis could save millions... (Introduced in House)[H.RES.213.IH]
[43] Reconstruction
and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2007 (Reported in Senate)[S.613.RS]
[44] Civilian
Service Recognition Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.312.IH]
[45] Bring the
Troops Home and Iraq Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.508.IH]
[46] Iraq
Contingency Planning Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.1183.IH]
Mark Udall
[47] Whereas on
April 13, 2004, President George W. Bush stated: `As a proud and independent
people, Iraqis do not support an indefinite occupation and neither does
America.'; (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.46.IH]
[48] Effective Care
for the Armed Forces and Veterans Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate)[S.1044.IS]
[49] To provide for
a presumption of service-connectedness for certain claims for benefits under
the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other
purposes. (Introduced in House)[H.R.1490.IH],
Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 (Introduced in
Senate)[S.117.IS]
[50] Mental Health
Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act (Introduced in Senate)[S.1196.IS]
[51] Jose Medina
Veterans Affairs Police Training Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.1853.IH]
[52] Sgt. Jonathan
Schulze Military Health Services Improvement Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.2189.IH]
[53] Mental Health
Care for Our Wounded Warriors Act (Introduced in Senate)[S.1196.IS]
[54] Whereas the people of the United States have a sincere appreciation and respect for the military personnel who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States; (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)[H.CON.RES.5.EH]
[55] Veterans
Employment and Respect Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.898.IH]
[56] Recognizing the employees of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the North Texas Commission, USO, and the people and businesses of North Texas for their dedication to the `Welcome... (Introduced in House)[H.RES.391.IH]
[57] To amend title
32, United States Code, to provide members of the National Guard additional
time to transition to civilian life when they return from active duty in
support of contingency... (Introduced in House)[H.R.2059.IH]
[58] Montgomery GI
Bill Enhancement Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate)[S.723.IS]
[59] Designating August
16, 2007 as `National Airborne Day'. (Introduced in Senate)[S.RES.82.IS]
[60] Expressing the
sense of the Congress that the United States flag flown over the United States
Capitol should be lowered to half-mast one day each month in honor of the brave
men and... (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.61.IH]
[61] Calling for
the removal of all restrictions from the public, the press, and military
families in mourning that would prohibit their presence at the arrival at
military installations... (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.29.IH]
[62] To require the
President to develop a plan containing dates certain for the commencement and
completion of a phased redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq,
and for other... (Introduced in House)[H.R.1837.IH]
[63] Expressing the
sense of Congress that the Government of the United States should submit to the
Government of Iraq a draft bilateral status-of-forces agreement by not later
than September 1, 2007... (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.97.IH]
[64] To provide for
the redeployment of United States forces from Iraq. (Introduced in Senate)[S.121.IS]
[65] To express the
sense of Congress on Iraq. (Placed on Calendar in Senate)[S.470.PCS],
Expressing the sense of Congress on the new strategy in Iraq. (Introduced in
House)[H.CON.RES.45.IH]
[66] Supplemental
Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq, 2007
(Introduced in House)[H.R.775.IH]
[67] To provide for
an assessment of the achievement by the Government of Iraq of benchmarks for
political settlement and national reconciliation in Iraq. (Introduced in
Senate)[S.1144.IS]
[68] Expressing the
sense of the Senate that the Commander of Multinational Forces-Iraq and all
United States personnel under his command should receive from Congress the full
support necessary... (Introduced in Senate)[S.RES.70.IS]
John McCain
[69] Security and Victory in Iraq Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.1062.IH] John Boehner
[70] Iraq
Transition Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.533.IH]
[71] To require a
clear accounting of the combat proficiency of the security forces of Iraq.
(Introduced in House)[H.R.2156.IH]
[72] Iraq Weapons
Accountability Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)[H.R.529.IH]
[73] Recognizing the significance of the contribution of the Brotherhood of the Badge to the Global War on Terror through its provision of surplus law enforcement equipment to Iraqi police... (Introduced in House)[H.RES.358.IH]
[74] Recognizing
and commending Dr. Robert Meaders and all of the volunteers and contributors of
Operation Helmet for their efforts in sending out 35,000 helmet upgrade kits to
members of... (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.92.IH]
[75] Expressing the
sense of Congress that the Government of Iraq should not grant blanket amnesty
to persons known to have attacked, killed, or wounded members of the United
States Armed... (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.15.IH]
[76] Enhancing
America's Security through Redeployment from Iraq Act (Introduced in House)[H.R.960.IH]
[77] To end the
United States occupation of Iraq immediately. (Introduced in House)[H.R.1234.IH]
[78] Expressing the sense of Congress that Iraq should vote to approve or disapprove the continued deployment of United States Armed Forces to Iraq and, unless Iraq votes to approve such... (Introduced in House)[H.CON.RES.110.IH]