Progressive Democrats of America – 2006-09-13 23:23:21
ACTION ALERT: End Funding for Iraq War
Progressive Democrats of America
We have just voiced our support for a resolution in Congress that will help cut the funds for the Iraq War.
We hope you will join us in signing the linked petition from Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) supporting HR 4232.
http://pdamerica.org/petition/mcgovern-petition.php
PDA has been working and organizing support for HR 4232 since Rep. McGovern introduced this important bill in November of 2005.
Listen to Rep McGovern live from Camp Democracy Click here.
Congress has appropriated more than $300 billion for US military operations in Iraq. Simply stated in monetary terms, estimates are that we are spending $8 billion per month in Iraq with no end in sight. That equates to $2 billion per week, or $267 million per day, or $11 million per hour.
Small wonder that 60% of the American people are opposed to current US policy in Iraq.
PDA is working hard to change this failed policy.
Please sign the petition and vote for candidates in the November general election who support HR 4232 and will speak out to cut off all funding for deployment of US troops in Iraq and for the removal of all funding for the occupation of Iraq.
H.R. 4232 would end all funding for the deployment of US troops in Iraq.
HR 4232 would in no way prohibit nor interrupt US non-defense funding in support of Iraq’s social and economic reconstruction, including support for democratic institution-building, elections, and the restoration of Iraq’s infrastructure.
HR 4232 provides for the safe, orderly, and honorable withdrawal of the United States from military operations in Iraq. By continuing US support for the economic and social reconstruction of Iraqi society and the financial and material needs of Iraqi security, it maintains our moral and political obligations to the Iraqi people, while concretely promoting, supporting, and providing for greater multilateral engagement in these serious tasks.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope you will sign the petition!
In peace,
The PDA Team — Medea Benjamin, Angie Bobst, Sherry Bohlen, Tim Carpenter, Steve Cobble, Mimi Kennedy, Steve Shaff, Cindy Sheehan, Kevin Spidel, David Swanson, Rev. Lennox Yearwood.
H.R. 4232: End the War in Iraq Act of 2005
Introduced by Rep. James McGovern (D-MA)
H.R.4232 would prohibit further use of Defense Department funds to deploy United States Armed Forces to Iraq. Funds could still be used to provide for:
• the safe and orderly withdrawal of all troops;
• consultations with other governments, NATO and the UN regarding international forces;
• financial assistance and equipment to either Iraqi security forces and/or international forces.
In addition, the bill would not prohibit or restrict non-defense funding to carry out reconstruction in Iraq
1. Why are there no dates, timelines or deadlines?
There are no specific dates in the bill to give it longevity. For example, H.J.Res 55 calls for the President to announce a plan for withdrawal of troops from Iraq by December 31, 2005. After that date, the bill will have to be rewritten.
2. When would the bill take effect?
As soon as the bill is signed into law, the DoD will not be able to use funds to deploy armed forces in Iraq.
3. Does this bill abandon our troops, leave them stranded in Iraq?
Rep. McGovern’s office worked closely with the Legislative Counsel* to craft a bill that would ensure the safety of the troops. Specifically, the bill calls for funds to “provide for the safe and orderly withdrawal of the Armed Forces from Iraq”. The DoD will be responsible for planning and implementing a safe and orderly withdrawal.
Legislative Counsel is the non-partisan office that helps members of Congress write their bills to ensure that the bills accomplish what the member intends, using the appropriate language.
4. Is this a “cut and run” bill?
No, this bill recognizes that the very presence of US troops is fueling the insurgency and increasing violence. But the bill also recognizes that the US has an obligation to Iraq and allows for the use of defense funds to:
ensure the security of Iraq and the transition to democratic rule by:
“(A) carrying out consultations with the Government of Iraq, other foreign governments, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations, and other international organizations; or
(B) providing financial assistance or equipment to Iraqi security forces and international forces in Iraq.”
In addition, the bill recognizes the importance of reconstruction:
“(C) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict the use of funds available to any department or agency of the Government of the United States (other than the Department of Defense) to carry out social and economic reconstruction activities in Iraq.”
5. Won’t this bill hurt the morale of our troops?
The Bush Administration sent our neighbors, friends and relatives into a war based on manipulated intelligence, without adequate planning, or equipment, and they are refusing to say how or when the mission will end. It is time they stop using our troops as human shields for their failed policies. This bill simply recognizes that it is time for the troops to come home — which should boost morale.
Copyright © 2004-2005 Progressive Democrats of America • All text available for public use with appropriate attribution.
End the War in Iraq Act of 2005 (Introduced in House)
109th CONGRESS, 1st Session
HR 4232: To prohibit the use of funds to deploy United States Armed Forces to Iraq.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES — November 4, 2005
Mr. MCGOVERN (for himself, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. VELAZQUEZ, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. STARK, Ms. WATERS, Mr. KUCINICH, Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan, and Ms. LEE) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on International Relations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To prohibit the use of funds to deploy United States Armed Forces to Iraq.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `End the War in Iraq Act of 2005′.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO DEPLOY ARMED FORCES TO IRAQ.
(a) Prohibition- Except as provided in subsection (b), funds appropriated or otherwise made available under any provision of law may not be obligated or expended to deploy or continue to deploy the Armed Forces to the Republic of Iraq.
(b) Exception- Subsection (a) shall not apply to the use of funds to —
(1) provide for the safe and orderly withdrawal of the Armed Forces from Iraq; or
(2) ensure the security of Iraq and the transition to democratic rule by —
(A) carrying out consultations with the Government of Iraq, other foreign governments, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations, and other international organizations; or
(B) providing financial assistance or equipment to Iraqi security forces and international forces in Iraq.
(c) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict the use of funds available to any department or agency of the Government of the United States (other than the Department of Defense) to carry out social and economic reconstruction activities in Iraq.
(d) Definition- In this section, the term `Armed Forces’ has the meaning given the term in section 101(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code.
