Bill would support the troops, bring accountability to the Iraqi government, and focus on fighting the War on Terror

July 12, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Later today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand will vote in favor of a bi-partisan measure that will begin the responsible redeployment of troops from Iraq, in order to further concentrate on fighting terrorism around the world.  The Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act [H.R. 2956], which Gillibrand cosponsored, directs the Secretary of Defense to commence redeployment of U.S. Troops within 120 days, with the goal of completion by April 1, 2008.  The bill was sponsored by the House Armed Services Chairman, Ike Skelton.

H.R. 2956 is consistent with the bipartisan Iraq Study Group’s recommendation that all U.S. troops leave Iraq by early 2008. If necessary, the military would be able to keep a small contingent of forces in Iraq to protect America’s national security interests and break up al-Qaida and its affiliated organizations. 

"I strongly support this legislation that will commence the redeployment of troops in Iraq in a responsible manner.  This bill uses the appropriate approach of using a notice period as leverage to demand the Iraqi government be accountable for the country’s security," said Gillibrand. "For over four years, our troops have served courageously and honorably, and the American people are grateful for their brave service.  It is time for a new direction in Iraq and to refocus our military’s mission on rooting out terrorism around the world." 

This week, the Congressional Research Service announced that the United States is spending $10 billion a month for the War in Iraq.  In addition, the Associated Press reported this morning that a leaked classified intelligence report acknowledges that al-Qaida forces are as strong as they were on September 11, 2001.

"The bottom line is that the Iraq government has failed to make meaningful progress and our Armed Forces are stuck in the middle of a civil war. The recent terrorist attempts in London underscore the fact that the U.S. military needs to refocus its mission to fighting and killing terrorists."

Representative Gillibrand is on the House Armed Services Committee, and sits on the Subcommittee on Terrorism.  Last week, she visited the Middle East- including Iraq- to talk with American and Iraqi leaders and soldiers on the front lines.

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