Washington, DC (July 12, 2007) – Today Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) joined a majority in the House of Representatives to back legislation to change direction in Iraq. The Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act was passed by a vote of 223-201 and requires American forces to begin redeploying within 120 days and to complete the transition to a limited presence in Iraq by April 1, 2008.

“This bill would force the President to be accountable to Congress and to the American people for how this war is conducted and for how it will end,” said Hinojosa.  “It will force the Iraqi government to realize that America’s commitment is not open-ended and they must be held accountable for their own security and stability.” 

The vote came on the same day as the release of the White House Interim Report on Iraq, which indicates that the Iraqi government has failed to meet key benchmarks endorsed by the President in January and that political reconciliation in Iraq is non-existent.

“For four years now, our nation has sacrificed its soldiers for an Iraqi government that has failed to take responsibility for its own security,” said Hinojosa.  “While our soldiers have served our country honorably, the President has failed to support them with a viable strategy to succeed. Now is the time to safely redeploy our military from combat so we can better confront emerging threats around the world.” 

In addition to requiring the redeployment of American forces The Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act requires the development of a comprehensive strategy for U.S. policy in Iraq and limits missions any remaining forces in Iraq may undertake to duties such as counter-terrorism, and protecting American personnel at the embassy in Iraq.

In its fifth year, the war in Iraq has cost American taxpayers $450 billion and new reports indicate that America spends $10 billion per month on the war in Iraq. To date, more than 3,600 Americans have lost their lives in Iraq and more than 26,000 have been wounded.

“We must put an end to this drain on our nation’s resources, which could be better used on our priorities at home,” said Hinojosa. “I strongly support this important legislation and request the President heed the call of this Congress to support our troops by redeploying them out of Iraq.”