FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Thursday, May 10, 2007
CONTACT: Yoni Cohen, (202) 225-3202

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) issued the following statement about the Iraq Accountability Act and the Iraq Redeployment Act:

"I rise today in strong support of Democratic efforts to end the War in Iraq.

"We are considering two bills today, both of which are significant improvements over legislation passed by Rubber Stamp Republican Congresses over the last four years. The Iraq Accountability Act provides funding for the war, but only until July. After receiving a report on the progress in Iraq – or lack thereof – Congress would then decide whether or not to extend funding through September. Unlike the legislation President Bush demanded, this bill holds him and his administration accountable for concrete economic, political and security benchmarks in Iraq.

"Though I appreciate the attempt to keep President Bush on a “short leash,” I cannot vote to continue funding a tragic war that has already taken the lives of thousands of American troops and tens of thousands of Iraqis. Every time I hear the President lie to the American people about the situation in Iraq and about the patriotism of those who dare criticize his many foreign policy failings, I can’t help but think he needs a muzzle, not a leash.

"It’s past time for us to get out of this mess and for our troops to come home from Iraq.

"That’s why I’m excited to join my colleagues in supporting the Iraq Redeployment Act. This bill requires the withdrawal of American troops to begin in the next three months and be completed in the next nine. It also prohibits funding for the “surge” and permanent United States military bases in Iraq. My constituents have been calling for withdrawal for years and I’m proud for vote for it on the House floor today."