Rep. Ellen Tauscher's Statement on Iraq Emergency Spending Bill

Washington, DC – Today, the United States House of Representatives passed emergency funding legislation by a vote of 280-142.  Rep. Tauscher voted against the legislation and delivered the following statement.

    "I have voted for every bill to bring our troops home because I am deeply committed to ending our involvement in an Iraqi civil war.  After much thought, deliberation and listening to my constituents I voted against the supplemental appropriations bill. 

      “I cannot vote to give the President one more blank check.  Each time he has proven irresponsible, irrational and obstinate.  This entire debate is sprung from his failure to lead both in Iraq and here at home.  If the President won't lead, Congress will. 

      “That is why I look forward to voting on a de-authorization of the use of force.  S peaker Pelosi has promised me that a vote on my bill, the Change the Course in Iraq Act (H.R. 1460), will come to the floor in S eptember at the end of this short term funding measure.  The mission in Iraq no longer bears any resemblance to what Congress authorized four years ago.  Repealing the Congressional authorization for the war is the responsible way for the Congress to make it crystal clear to the President that Congress and the people we represent have had enough.”

  -Rep. Ellen Tauscher