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WASHINGTON, D.C.—In an historic bipartisan expression, Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) today joined an overwhelming number of Democrats and Republicans to support a bipartisan proposal requiring the Administration to develop a new, redefined mission regarding our involvement and long term interests in Iraq. The bill (HR 3087) directs the Administration within 60 days of passage to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of U.S. troops in Iraq and requires additional updates every 90 days thereafter.
“I have always believed that bipartisanship equals progress, and there is no other issue facing our country where the need for bipartisanship is more immediate,” said Congressman Boyd. “This legislation calls on the President to be responsive to the country’s concerns with the war in Iraq and work with us as Americans—not as Democrats or Republicans. HR 3087 should jump-start the conversation on ways in which we can agree and work together.”
A champion of bipartisan cooperation, Congressman Boyd last week joined with 27 other Democrats and Republicans in issuing a “Bipartisan Compact on Iraq Debate.” The first-of-its-kind bipartisan compact outlined eight guiding principles designed to refocus attention on areas of common ground where lawmakers can work together to achieve progress in Iraq.
HR 3087 does not set a withdrawal date of U.S. troops, and it does not cut off or restrict funds for our troops. This legislation seeks to end the political infighting that has stymied congressional debate on the situation in Iraq by pushing the Administration to redefine our mission in Iraq.
“The partisan bickering in Congress is not constructive; it does not help America or our troops; and it does not result in progress for the good of our country,” Boyd stated. “It is clear that we must unite behind a bipartisan approach to our most difficult and pressing foreign policy problem, and HR 3087 is a start. It is my sincere hope that today’s bipartisan vote will begin a new era in which Congress can join together to address the challenges facing our country.”
HR 3087 passed by a vote of 377 to 46 and now awaits consideration in the Senate.
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