Iraq
  
The United States requires a new path in Iraq.  A path that will deploy our troops out of Iraq, force the Iraqi government to plan for its own defenses, and engage countries throughout the region and around the world to help stabilize the country.  We must reduce our presence in Iraq to allow the United States military to rebuild and refocus on the important mission of destroying Al Qaeda and defending America from the threat of international terrorism. 
 
I have cosponsored several pieces of legislation that would require the President to remove American forces from Iraq in a sustained and responsible manner.  These bills include H.J. Res. 18, H. Res. 41, H.R. 353, H.R. 455, and H.R. 746.  I also voted in favor of H. Con. Res. 63, which opposed President Bush’s troop escalation in Iraq.

 

I voted in favor of the U. S. Troop Readiness, Veterans Health and Iraq Accountability Act, which sets benchmarks for the withdrawal and redeployment of U. S troops out of Iraq, requires troop readiness standards be followed and provides funding for U. S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This bill provides funding for our troops currently deployed in Iraq, as well as money for Iraqi security forces, funding for the war on terrorism, and $1.3 billion for military and development needs in Afghanistan.  This bill passed the House of Representatives on March 23, 2007.