Iraq Watch

Congressman Neil Abercrombie's floor
speech during the debate on Iraq on
June 15, 2006.

Our troops have done everything we’ve asked of them in Iraq. Their patriotism, bravery and professionalism have been superb. Thanks to their sacrifices, Iraqis now have an opportunity to shape their country’s destiny.

I have joined with several of my colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution (House Joint Resolution 55) to get the troops home from Iraq and put the Iraqis in charge of their own future. The troops have done their job and now it is time for Congress to do its job.

As our military leaders in Iraq and senior Administration officials have said, the ultimate defeat of the insurgents in Iraq will not come about through US military action. Instead, the mission we have given those commanders is to train the Iraqis so they can assume the lead in the fight to defeat the insurgents. This resolution reinforces, clarifies, and accelerates that plan.

H.J. Res 55 requires the President to announce a plan to return all elements of the U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq, beginning no later than December 31, 2006. We require this announcement not later than the end of 2005, in conjunction with the election of the new government of Iraq. The purpose of this announcement is to send a clear signal to the people of Iraq that we have no plans to stay in Iraq permanently, and to signal to US troops and all Americans that the troops have done their duty and that our military obligations have been met.

Resources

Bipartisan Dear Colleague asking Members to sign Discharge Petition

H.J. Res 55 (pdf)

CRS Summary

Op-eds and other information

Debate for withdrawal from Iraq is necessary
11/17/05
Honolulu Star-Bulletin

Considering Iraq
by Congressman Neil Abercrombie

Time for the U.S. to Withdrawal
by Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Dennis Kucinich

A timetable for witdrawal from Iraq
Legion Magazine
12/2005

Before our forces march
by Congressman Neil Abercrombie
3/14/03

Officers: Military Can't End Insurgency
The solution will have to come through the political process, Americans there agree
Philidelphia Inquirer June 13, 2005

Gallup Poll

What's wrong with cutting and running?
by Lt. Gen (Ret.) William E. Odom

Press Releases

Abercrombie acts to initiate Discharge Petition for Iraq witdrawal
11/16/05

Abercrombie response to President's speech
6/29/05

US troops to be "Homeward Bound" under bipartisan Iraq withdrawal resolution
6/16/2005

Abercrombie: Iraq abuse resolution "damage control"
5/6/04

Abercrombie condemns Iraq prisoner abuses, denial of command responsibility
5/4/04

Abercrombie votes against GOP Iraq spin
3/18/04

Abercrombie statement on Saddam capture
12/15/03

Abercrombie votes against more funds for Iraq "quagmire"
10/17/03

Abercrombie wants more light on Iraq
9/10/03

Abercrombie opposes war; supports troops with website links
3/20/03

Abercrombie votes against "blanck check" resolution for Iraq war
10/10/02

Abercrombie: Iraq attack requires Congressional Approval
8/27/03