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Letters
Issues Foreign
Policy Iraq Timeline
Below
is a timeline that focuses on my efforts to fix our flawed
Iraq policy:
September
15, 2008 - In a series of three speeches, Senator Feingold
explores how the United States can conduct a post 9-11 foreign
policy in our interconnected and interdependent world that
strengthens our long term national security and advances the
interests, values, and aspirations of the American people.
July
31, 2008 - Statement of Senator Feingold in response
to the President’s comments on Iraq: "The President today
continued to ignore the devastating impact our massive presence
in Iraq has on that country, the region, our counterterrorism
efforts, and our economy."
July
18, 2008 - Statement of Senator Feingold responding
to the President’s support for a "General Time Horizon" for
Iraq: "The clear majority of Americans support a timetable to end the war in Iraq because they understand that, far from being arbitrary, a timetable is necessary for us to win the war in Afghanistan and against al Qaeda globally."
June 5, 2008 - Senator Feingold blasted the President and Vice President for misrepresenting Iraq intelligence: "This report again demonstrates how President Bush, Vice President Cheney and others made repeated assertions about the threat posed by Saddam Hussein that were not supported by, and at times outright contradicted, the intelligence available at the time."
April 10, 2008 -
Statement of Senator Feingold in response to the President’s remarks on Iraq: "The President today refused to offer any vision of when this mistake in Iraq will end. By keeping a massive troop presence in Iraq indefinitely, we are pouring more than $10 billion a month into a situation that is jeopardizing our national security, damaging our military, and provoking regional instability."
April 8, 2008 -
Opening Statement of Senator Feingold at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on Iraq with General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker: "Redeployment does not mean abandoning Iraq. We must work for a peaceful outcome in that country. But if we continue to leave our military caught up in the sectarian divisions that consume Iraq, we will be doing so at grave risk to Iraq’s progress, the region’s stability, and our own national security."
April 4, 2008 - Statement of Senator Feingold on the letter to President Bush from Democratic leaders regarding Iraq: "I am deeply disappointed with the letter sent by Democratic leaders to the President regarding Iraq. Rather than calling on the President to redeploy our troops from Iraq, it endorses a plan put forward by General Petraeus that could entail leaving tens of thousands of U.S. troops in Iraq indefinitely."
March 19, 2008 - Statement of Senator Feingold on the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq: "I do not want to watch a failed strategy perpetuate regional turmoil any longer and I do not want any more American troops to die or get injured for a war that is not in our national security interest."
February
28, 2008 - Feingold statement on continuing his fight
to end the war in Iraq: "As long as the Iraq war continues,
more Americans will be put at risk, billions more dollars
will be spent, and al Qaeda will continue to gather strength
in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and places around the world."
February
26, 2008 - Feingold statement on his Iraq redeployment
bill moving forward: "I am pleased the Republicans agreed
to allow the Senate to debate this bill which is so critical
to the security of Americans."
February
15, 2008 - In an effort to force the administration to
move away from its Iraq-centric foreign policy, Senator Feingold
is introducing new legislation requiring the administration
to focus on addressing the al Qaeda threat and directing the
President to safely redeploy United States troops from Iraq.
December
18, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate floor
on his continuing efforts to pass the Feingold-Reid legislation
and end the war in Iraq
December
18, 2007 - Senator Feingold continues his effort to require
the President to end his disastrous Iraq policy and bring
our troops out of Iraq. Feingold will be joined by Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid in offering an amendment to the
omnibus spending bill based on their legislation requiring
the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, with a few narrow
exceptions, after which funding for military operations in
Iraq would end.
October
24, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate floor
on the fifth anniversary of the Authorization of the Use Military
Force in Iraq. "I will not stand idly by while this mistaken
war continues. I will continue working to end this war and
bring our troops home, and I will continue looking in the
days and weeks ahead for opportunities to debate and vote
on ending the war – this year, and, if necessary, next as
well."
October
4, 2007 - Senator Feingold responds to remarks made by
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding the Feingold-Reid
legislation, which would safely redeploy U.S. troops from
Iraq, after which funding for the open-ended military mission
would end.
October
1, 2007 - Senator Feingold announces he will introduce an amendment to the Defense appropriations bill based on the Feingold-Reid legislation to safely redeploy U.S. troops from Iraq
September
27, 2007 - Senator Feingold opposes the Continuing Resolution. "I am disappointed that we are about to begin the 2008 fiscal year without having enacted any of the appropriations bills for that year. I am even more disappointed that we passed a continuing resolution that provides tens of billions of dollars to continue the misguided war in Iraq but does not include any language to bring that war to a close."
September
21, 2007 - Senator Feingold supports the Levin-Reed amendment,
which would have taken a significant step towards ending
the President’s disastrous Iraq policy.
September
20, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate Floor
on the Feingold-Reid legislation to redeploy our troops from
Iraq. "This war doesn't make sense. It is hurting our country, our military, and our credibility. It is time for this war to end. The American people know this and they are looking for us to act. I hope we will not let them down again."
September
20, 2007 - The majority of Democrats once again voted for the Feingold-Reid legislation to end
the President’s flawed Iraq policy.
September
19, 2007 - The Senate is expected to debate and vote as
early as today on revised legislation by Senator Feingold
to end the open-ended military mission in Iraq. Feingold’s
legislation, cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid,
would use the power of the purse to force the President to
redeploy U.S. troops out of Iraq by June 30, 2008, with a
few narrow exceptions, after which funding for the current
military operation would end.
September
11, 2007 - Opening Remarks of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold
at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on Iraq: The
Crocker-Petraeus Report - It is simply tragic that six years
to the day after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001,
our attention is so focused on what has been the greatest
mistake in the fight against Al Qaida, and that's the Iraq
war. Both yesterday at the House hearings and today there
has been virtually no reference by either the members of Congress
or the witnesses to the broader context outside of Iraq.
August
6, 2007 - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) and U.S. Representative
Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) introduced two censure resolutions
in their respective chambers condemning the president, vice
president and the attorney general for misconduct regarding
our military involvement in Iraq and for their repeated assaults
on the rule of law at home.
July
12, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate floor
on the Levin-Reid amendment: I will support the amendment
offered by Senators Levin and Jack Reed. By passing binding
deadlines for both beginning and ending redeployment, the
Senate can take a strong step toward bringing our involvement
in this war to a close. I applaud Senators Hagel, Smith and
Snowe for putting principle ahead of party by cosponsoring
this amendment.
June
13, 2007 - Senator Feingold announced today that he will
continue his effort to end the open-ended military mission
in Iraq and safely redeploy U.S. troops out of the country.
Feingold said he and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will
offer the Feingold-Reid bill requiring troops to be redeployed
by March 31, 2008, after which funding for ongoing military
operations, with three narrow exceptions. The bill will be
offered as an amendment to Defense Department authorization
legislation that the Senate is expected to consider as early
as the end of June.
May
22, 2007 - Senator Feingold describes the Democrats attempts
to push back a "collapse" in a blog post on Daily Kos. "We
had a strong start, pushed back against the President's failed
policy and held our ground that the supplemental should include
binding language to end the war. But now, as Congress
gets ready to send the President a bill that does nothing
to get our troops out of Iraq, we are just folding our cards."
May
17, 2007 - Senator Feingold opposes writing the Iraq supplemental
behind closed doors.
May
16, 2007 - With 29 Senators supporting the Feingold-Reid
amendment to redeploy U.S. forces from Iraq, the support for
changing course in Iraq has grown considerably since thirteen
Senators voted in favor of the Feingold-Kerry amendment to
the Defense Authorization bill in June 2006.
May
16, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate floor
on the Feingold-Reid amendment.
May
2, 2007 - Senator Feingold blogged about keeping pressure
on the Administration to redeploy our troops from Iraq.
April
10, 2007 - Senator Feingold introduced legislation today
to effectively end U.S. military involvement in Iraq. The
bill, supported by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, requires
the President to begin safely redeploying U.S. troops from
Iraq 120 days from enactment.
April
2, 2007 - Senator Feingold (D-WI) and Senate Majority
Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that they are introducing
legislation that will effectively end the current military
mission in Iraq and begin the redeployment of U.S. forces.
The bill requires the President to begin safely redeploying
U.S. troops from Iraq 120 days from enactment. The bill ends
funding for the war, with three narrow exceptions, effective
March 31, 2008.
March
27, 2007 - Senator Feingold votes for the emergency supplemental
spending bill that includes binding legislation requiring
the President to begin withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq.
March
15, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate floor
in opposition to the misguided Gregg resolution regarding
Iraq.
March
14, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate floor
on S.J. Res. 9, a significant step toward ending our involvement
in Iraq.
February
16, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate floor
opposing the President's escalation policy.
February
2, 2007 - Senator Feingold responds to the National Intelligence
Estimate on Iraq, which confirmed that the Bush adminstration's
policy of an indefinite war in Iraq is not working.
February
1, 2007 - Senator Feingold opposed the Warner-Levin compromise
regarding Iraq.
January
31, 2007 - Senator Feingold introduced the Iraq Redeployment
Act of 2007. Feingold’s bill uses Congress’s power
of the purse to force the President to safely redeploy U.S.
troops from Iraq by prohibiting funds for continued operations
six months after enactment.
January
30, 2007 - Senator Feingold chaired a Judiciary committee
hearing on using Congress's power of the purse to end a war.
January
11, 2007 - Senator Feingold called on Congress to use
its main power - the power of the purse - to put an end to
our involvement in Iraq.
January
4, 2007 - Senator Feingold again introduced legislation
to establish a timetable to redeploy U.S. troops from Iraq.
The legislation builds on Feingold’s effort in the last
Congress to end the military mission in Iraq in order to focus
attention and resources on our top national security priority:
defeating global terrorist networks. Feingold’s legislation
would require the administration to submit a timetable for
the redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq within six months.
November
14, 2006 - Senator Feingold introduced legislation requiring
U.S. forces to redeploy from Iraq by July 1, 2007. The legislation,
which builds on an amendment Feingold authored earlier this
year, would allow for a minimal number of U.S. forces to remain
in Iraq for targeted counter-terrorism activities, training
of Iraqi security forces, and the protection of U.S. infrastructure
and personnel.
November 14, 2006 - The U.S. Senate approved legislation
authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Russ Feingold
that will extend the term of the Special Inspector General
for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR). Without this legislation,
the SIGIR’s term would expire on October 1, 2007.
October
19, 2006 - Senator Feingold opposed a termination date
of October 1, 2007, for the Special Inspector General for
Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), which was included in the final
version of the Defense Authorization Act. This termination
means that billions of dollars for Iraq reconstruction efforts
will go without proper oversight and auditing.
June
20, 2006 – Senator Feingold joined Senator John
Kerry (D-MA) in offering an amendment to the fiscal year 2007
Defense Authorization bill that would have required the president
to redeploy U.S. forces from Iraq by July 1, 2007. This amendment
would have allowed our country to refocus on fighting al Qaeda
and the global terrorist networks that attacked us on 9/11.
June
15, 2006 - The U.S. Senate passes an amendment to the
Department of Defense Authorization bill offered by Senator
Feingold to strengthen and extend the office of the Special
Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR).
May
4,2006 - Senator Feingold expresses his disappointment
in the Senate's refusal to vote on strengthening the Office
of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR).
The SIGIR is tasked with oversight and the monitoring of U.S.
taxpayer dollars used for the reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
"We should not be spending money on Iraqi reconstruction
without ensuring there is appropriate oversight and auditing,"
Feingold said.
May
2, 2006 - From the US Senate floor, Senator Feingold calls
for the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq by December
31, 2006. Feingold filed an amendment
to the emergency supplemental spending bill requiring the
redeployment.
April
27, 2006 - Senator Feingold offers an amendment
to the emergency supplemental bill calls for redeployment
from Iraq to require the redeployment of U.S. troops from
Iraq by December 31, 2006. “Our country desperately
needs a new vision for strengthening our national security,
and it starts by redeploying U.S. forces from Iraq,”
Feingold stated.
March 24-26, 2006 - Feingold travels to Iraq for the second time.
January
27, 2006 - Feingold responds to the recent Special Inspector
General for Iraq Reconstruction's (SIGIR) report on lagging
reconstruction efforts. "This report highlights the massive
tab for the American taxpayer due to the Administration’s
negligence, poor planning, and lack of vision in U.S. stabilization
and reconstruction operations in Iraq."
December
13, 2005 - From the US Senate floor, Senator Feingold
delivers his fifth speech in regards to our nation's national
security and the Administration's flawed policy in Iraq. Feingold
reiterated the need for a strategy for completing this military
mission in Iraq. "A clear, targeted strategy to strengthen
our national security is not an option but a necessity,"
Senator Feingold stated.
December
12, 2005 - In reaction to the President's speech on the
U.S. military mission in Iraq, Feingold argues that 'staying
the course' is not a strategy for success. "A flexible
timetable for withdrawal will also allow the U.S. government
to refocus its efforts on making our country safe and combating
global terrorist networks."
December
7, 2005 - Senator Feingold reacts to the President's speech
to the Council on Foreign Relations. He states that the United
States' presence in Iraq is distracting the U.S. government
from what should be its top priority – defeating global
terrorist networks. "The President does not understand
that his Iraq policies are preventing us from succeeding in
our larger campaign against global terrorists - Iraq is not
the be-all and end-all of our country’s national security".
November
30, 2005 - Senator Feingold responds to the President's
speech on the United States mission in Iraq. Feingold argues
that the administration has still not presented the American
people with a strategy on how to finish the war in Iraq. "The
President missed a vital opportunity today. Our brave service
members, their families, the American people, and the Iraqi’s
themselves deserve and demand more."
November
17, 2005 - Senator Feingold commends Congressmen Murtha
for calling for an immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq. Feingold
states, "Given the choice between staying indefinitely
without a plan, which is the current situation, and bringing
our troops home, I would opt for bringing our troops home,
but I would prefer to do so based on a flexible timetable
for achieving clear, realistic goals."
November
15, 2005- Senator Feingold is one of forty United States
Senators to vote in favor of a flexible timetable for withdrawal
from Iraq. Senator Feingold also votes in favor of an amendment
which would require the administration to provide feedback
on progress in Iraq. He vows to continue to fight for timeframe
for a ending the military mission in Iraq.
November
14, 2005- Feingold speaks out from the Senate floor in
favor of an amendment calling for troop withdrawal from Iraq.
Feingold demands that the United States put Iraq policy on
the right track by producing a public plan and unveiling a
flexible timetable for achieving the mission in Iraq to the
American people.
October
25, 2005 - In his fourth in a series of five speeches
on our nation’s national security and the Administration’s
failed policy in Iraq, Feingold states how a timetable for
withdrawal will improve national security. Reinforcing his
call for the withdrawal of U.S. ground forces by December
31, 2006, Feingold argues that Iraqi insurgents are fueled
by the presence of American troops and a lack of an exit strategy
is actually making the United States weaker.
October
19,2005 - At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing,
Feingold questions Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on
U.S. Foreign Policy in Iraq. Feingold questions Secretary
Rice on the possibility of a flexible time-table for withdrawal.
October
6, 2005- Feingold reacts to the President's speech regarding
the links between terrorism and Iraq. Feingold comments " It's
time for the President to put forward a strategy that actually
makes us stronger in the fight against terrorism and safer
here at home -- unfortunately he failed to do that today."
September
29,2005- From the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senator Feingold
once again speaks out against the war in Iraq. Feingold highlights
that the Bush Administration's policy to stay the course in
Iraq is actually making America weaker. "I cannot support
a war that makes our enemies stronger and our own country
weaker and that is what I will not support the strategy that
the President has set."
September
9, 2005- Feingold speaks out against criticism of a withdrawal
from Iraq. Feingold outlines the five largest myths regarding
an Iraq timetable.
August
23, 2005 - Senator Feingold speaks to the Town Hall Association
in Los Angeles, California on American national security and
finishing the mission in Iraq. Feingold states that all
Americans must speak out and demand a better vision for National
Security.
August
18, 2005 - Feingold proposes a gradual withdraw of U.S.
troops from Iraq. Feingold proposes December 31, 2006 as the
target date for military completion in Iraq. Feingold believes
that a clear timeline would undermine recruiting efforts of
insurgents, encourage Iraqi transition of power, and create
a broader discussion of pressing national security issues.
Feingold feels "obligated to help jump start the process
by proposing a significant goal for bringing U.S. forces home
from Iraq."
July
27, 2005 - Feingold comments on the remarks of the administration
regarding a timetable in Iraq. Feingold introduced S. Res.
171, a resolution that calls on the President to create a
timeline for achieving clear and coherent goals in Iraq.
July
27, 2005 - Feingold speaks out on the floor of the U.S.
Senate on the lack of a coherent policy in Iraq. Feingold
states "the ill defined and open-ended military commitment
that has long characterized our policy in Iraq is actually
strengthening the very forces who wish to do us harm. We need
to adjust our course, and more clarity about our plans in
Iraq is an important part of making that change."
July
20, 2005 - Senate includes Feingold's provision to extend
authorization to the SIGIR in the Senate Foreign Ops Bill.
The amendment extends the mandate and authorizes funding for
the SIGIR, which serves as a watchdog over the billions of
U.S. taxpayer dollars allocated for Iraq reconstruction. Without
this provision, the SIGIR office would have been forced to
close down before the majority of reconstruction funds for
Iraq have been expended.
June
14, 2005 - Feingold introduces S. Res. 171, calling on
the President to report to Congress on a timeframe for achieving
its military goals in Iraq and subsequently withdrawing U.S.
troops from Iraq. The resolution calls on the President to
identify the specific missions that the U.S. military is being
asked to accomplish in Iraq, as well as the timeframe in which
those missions can be successfully achieved. Feingold has
consistently urged the administration to be clear about the
nature and length of the U.S. military commitment to Iraq.
May
10, 2005 - Feingold casts a vote in support of the 2005
supplemental appropriations bill for Iraq, Afghanistan, and
tsunami relief. Feingold votes for the supplemental despite
strong objections to the administration's policy of continuing
to fund military operations through emergency supplemental
bills.
May
4, 2005 - Feingold criticizes the reconstruction effort
in Iraq for its "disorganized, sloppy management"
after the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction
releases its audit reports. The reports reveal that close
to $100 million spent in South-Central Iraq went unaccounted
for.
April
22, 2005 - Feingold comments on the latest report from
the SIGIR. The SIGIR audit of a nearly $300 million contract
awarded to Aegis Defense Services found that Aegis did not
comply with the terms of the contract and did not perform
all of the tasks required by the contract.
April
22, 2005 - Senate includes Feingold's Injured Service
members Family Travel amendment in the emergency supplemental
bill that the Senate passed to provide funding for ongoing
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Feingold provision
corrects a flaw in the current system that restricts the number
of families that qualify for travel assistance.
April
14, 2005 - Feingold stands up for military families by
introducing the Military Family Leave Act in the Senate. This
legislation allows families who are eligible for FMLA benefits
to use those benefits for issues directly relating to or resulting
from the deployment of a family member.
March
10, 2005 - Feingold offers an amendment to the 2006 Budget
Resolution that would create reserve funds to pay for ongoing
military operations and reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan
rather than depending on future supplementals. The reserve
fund would also help pay for the Army's ongoing transformation
plan to create more deployable brigades.
February
1, 2005 - Feingold comments on the announcement by the
Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR)
of its audit indicating that the Coalition Provisional Authority
(CPA) failed to impose adequate controls on nearly $9 billion
that was distributed to various Iraqi ministries during the
period prior to the transfer of sovereignty late last June.
Feingold introduced an amendment to DOD authorization bill
in 2004 allowing the IG to continue to exist, as the SIGIR.
February
1, 2005 - At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing
on the U.S. policy in Iraq and the Middle East, Feingold reiterates
his call for a concrete timetable for achieving clear goals
in Iraq and looks forward to hearing from the Administration
as to how it will proceed.
January
31, 2005 - Feingold commends the Iraqis and our men and
women in uniform on the elections that took place in Iraq.
He also again stresses the importance of a clear, efficient
plan for handing off responsibility for Iraq's security to
the Iraqis themselves and bringing American troops home.
December
13, 2004 - In a letter to the President, Feingold again
strongly presses him to make sure that when he sends his budget
proposal to Congress at the beginning of next year, he includes
the costs for ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq,
rather than asking for tens of billions of dollars in a supplemental
bill months later.
November
18, 2004 - From the Senate floor, Feingold expresses his
continued concern regarding the situation in Iraq and addresses
the nomination of Condoleezza Rice to be Secretary of State.
He also shares his concern for the future of U.S. foreign
policy and believes that we cannot afford to waste any more
time in restoring solid relations with members of the international
community, bringing stability in Iraq, and working to rebuild
the damaged image of the U.S. abroad.
October
11, 2004 - Feingold's amendment to extend the IG's oversight
over American taxpayers' dollars is signed into law.
July
30, 2004 - Feingold comments on the IG report of the Coalitional
Provisional Authority (CPA), which outlines how U.S. taxpayers'
dollars are being spent in Iraq. He also underscores the importance
of maintaining the IG after the dissolution of the CPA.
June
24, 2004 - Feingold's amendment to help ensure American
tax dollars are spent wisely in Iraq is included in the final
fiscal year 2005 Department of Defense authorization bill.
This amendment ensures that a special Inspector General (IG)
will continue to oversee the billions of U.S. dollars to be
spent in Iraq after the transfer of sovereignty. Feingold
debates his
amendment on the Senate floor.
May
19, 2004 - At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing
on Iraq, Feingold again urges for a clear plan for Iraq transition.
May
18, 2004 - In a series of Senate Foreign Relations Committee
hearings on Iraq reconstruction, Feingold questions
the Administration's plan for the transition.
April
27, 2004 - Feingold questions John Negroponte during the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee on his nomination to be
the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.
April
22, 2004 - In a continuation of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee hearing on Iraq transition, Feingold urges
for openness in telling the American people what lies ahead.
He reiterates the importance of honesty with military personnel
and their families, and the American taxpayers, who are bearing
the brunt of Iraq reconstruction.
April
20, 2004 - At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing
on Iraq transition, Feingold underscores the importance of
creating a plan for Iraq, not just a date to transfer sovereignty.
March
31, 2004 - From the Senate floor, Feingold again stresses
the importance of focusing on the fight against terrorism.
He reiterates his concerns regarding the insufficient effort
in Afghanistan and questions the argument that Iraq is the
central front in combating terrorism.
March
4, 2004 - During the Senate Budget Committee's markup
of the Budget Resolution, Feingold proposes an amendment that
would add $20 billion to the reserve fund to pay for ongoing
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Feingold hopes to provide
a responsible budget for these operations abroad and believes
that the funding of our troops should be a priority.
February
12, 2004 - During the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
hearing on the Foreign Affairs budget, Feingold conveys
his concerns regarding the situation in Iraq and the lack
of focus in the fight against terrorism to Secretary of State
Colin Powell.
February
10, 2004 - Feingold comments on the controversy regarding
the role of CIA
intelligence in the lead up to war in Iraq and reiterates
his concerns about the administration's lack of focus on combating
terrorism.
December
29, 2003 - Feingold calls on the Department of Defense
to ensure that the large number of troops returning from Iraq
are reunited with their loved ones as soon as is practicable.
November
3, 2003 - Feingold discusses the final vote on the Iraq
and Afghanistan supplemental conference report.
October
17, 2003 - Feingold discusses his vote in favor of S.
1689, the Iraq and Afghanistan Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations bill.
October
16, 2003 - Feingold successfully offers an amendment to
the Iraq supplemental appropriations bill that would establish
an Inspector General to oversee the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars
sent to Iraq.
October
1, 2003 - Feingold responds to President Bush's request
for supplemental funds in the reconstruction of Iraq.
September
30, 2003 - Feingold voices his concerns about U.S. policy
in Iraq. He continues to question the administration's "shifting
justifications" for war, and underscores the importance
of international burden sharing and ensuring that action in
Iraq does not detract from or undermine the fight against
terrorism.
September
25, 2003 - During the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
hearing, in a series of hearings on the rebuilding of Iraq,
Feingold questions
Ambassador J. Paul Bremer on where the U.S. stands in Iraq's
reconstruction process and in what direction is the U.S. heading.
September
23, 2003 - In a series of continuing hearings held by
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on reconstruction efforts
in Iraq, Feingold expresses
concern over the direction of U.S. policy and the additional
$87 billion requested to finance U.S. activities in Iraq.
September
9, 2003 - President Bush addresses the nation on the situation
in Iraq. Feingold continues to question the administration's
focus in the fight against terrorism.
July
31, 2003 - From the United States Senate floor, Feingold
continues to voice his concerns over the U.S. policy in Iraq.
July
29, 2003 - Deputy Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz testifies
at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the status
and prospects of reconstruction in Iraq. Feingold questions
the Deputy Secretary on the focus of our efforts in the fight
against terrorism.
July
23, 2003 - In a series of continuing hearings of the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee on the post-conflict reconstruction
of Iraq, Feingold continues to ask questions about the direction
of the U.S. in rebuilding Iraq. He questions the cost and
duration of military commitments, and inquires into how to
share this burden with the international community.
June
25, 2003 - At the Senate Foreign Relations and Judiciary
Joint Subcommittee Hearing on Constitutionalism, Human Rights,
and the Rule of Law in Iraq, Feingold underscores the role
of Iraqi people in reconstruction efforts, in addition to
the need for security, a revised constitution, and the reform
of legal institutions.
June
4, 2003 - At the second in a series of Senate Foreign
Relations Committee hearings on Iraq reconstruction, Feingold
states that the hearings can help to inform the American people
about the magnitude of the task ahead. Feingold presses
Undersecretary of Defense Zakheim on the United States' contributions
to the cost of rebuilding Iraq.
May
22, 2003 - At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing,
Feingold continues to inquire about the role of the United
States in a post-conflict Iraq. Feingold questions
Deputy Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz on the reconstruction
and stabilization of Iraq.
May
13, 2003 - From the floor of the United States Senate,
Feingold voices his concerns over the direction of the fight
against terrorism and U.S. foreign policy. Feingold states
that the campaign against terrorism is our first national
priority and our first priority in terms of national security.
April
29, 2003 - At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing,
Feingold advocates burden-sharing on the post-conflict reconstruction
of Iraq. Feingold questions
Secretary Powell on the role of NATO during this rebuilding
period.
April
2, 2003 - Feingold calls for the retention of a Senate
provision in the final budget resolution creating a $100 billion
reserve fund to pay for the cost of the ongoing war in Iraq
and the subsequent reconstruction of that country.
March
27, 2003 – Feingold votes in support of the Armed
Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003. This bill, which passes the
Senate 97-0, will remedy specific tax problems for personnel
in the uniformed services and foreign service. The cost of
the changes will be offset by increasing enforcement of collection
of taxes on individuals who renounce their U.S. citizenship.
March
24, 2003 - Feingold responds to reports that the President
will release an estimate on the cost of war with Iraq.
March
21, 2003 - On the floor of the United States Senate, Feingold
urges all of his colleagues to vote for his amendment to create
a reserve fund of $100 billion to pay for military action
and reconstruction in Iraq. The amendment passes by a vote
of 52-47.
March
20, 2003 - In a floor statement in the United States Senate,
Feingold states his continuing support for our troops. He
says he is confident in their abilities, and hopes for their
safe and quick return home to their families.
March
20, 2003 - On the floor of the United States Senate, Feingold
proposes an amendment to the Budget Resolution that would
create a reserve fund of $100 billion to pay for military
action and reconstruction in Iraq. The amendment was adopted
by a vote of 52-47.
March
19, 2003 - The President addresses the nation on the start
of military action in Iraq. Feingold stresses his support
for our troops and hopes for a swift victory and their safe
return home.
March
19, 2003 – At a Foreign Relations Committee Hearing
on non-proliferation, Feingold continues to speak out about
the pending conflict with Iraq.
March
17, 2003 – The President addresses the nation. Feingold
stresses that while he questions the decision to go to war
with Iraq, he supports our courageous troops.
March
13, 2003 – Feingold introduces S. J. Res. 9, requiring
the President to report to Congress on the potential costs
and consequences of military action in Iraq before ordering
the U.S. Armed Forces to war in Iraq. He states that the administration
has not made clear to the American people the magnitude of
the task that the country is setting for itself – not
only with regard to the military engagement, but with regard
to occupation and reconstruction.
March
13, 2003 – In the Budget Committee, Feingold proposes
an amendment to the Budget Resolution that would create a
reserve fund of $100 billion to pay for any possible military
action and reconstruction in Iraq. The amendment was defeated
12-11 in Committee.
March
11, 2003 – At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Hearing on Iraq Reconstruction, Feingold continues to question
whether it is time to go to war with Iraq.
March
6, 2003 – The President holds a press conference
at the White House. Feingold says the President's reasons
for war with Iraq make little sense and that ignoring international
concerns, fueling the misperception that the U.S. is aggressive
and hostile toward the Muslim world, and entering into a military
occupation of a major Middle Eastern country, are unlikely
to make the American people more secure.
February
25, 2003 – Feingold, Ranking Member on the Senate
Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, returns from Africa
and warns that any conflict with Iraq will have an adverse
effect on the relationships the U.S. has with other countries
throughout the world.
February
11, 2003 – At a Foreign Relations Committee Hearing
on Iraq, Feingold insists on exploring all consequences before
engaging in military action in Iraq.
February
6, 2003 – At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Hearing on U.S. Foreign Policy, Feingold presses Secretary
Powell and states that U.S. policy in Iraq could destabilize
some of our key allies in the Muslim world.
February
5, 2003 – Feingold states that Secretary Powell's
presentation to the U.N. confirmed what was already known
and did not justify war.
February
5, 2003 – In a statement from the floor of the United
States Senate, Feingold supports Senate Resolution 28, which
expresses the Sense of the Senate that U.N. weapons inspectors
be given sufficient time for a thorough assessment of Iraq's
level of compliance with U.N Security Council Resolution 1441.
February
4, 2003 – At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Hearing on North Korea, Feingold questions Deputy Secretary
Richard Armitage about North Korea and Iraq. Under questioning
from Feingold, Armitage agrees that the proliferation of weapons
by North Korea is more worrisome than that of Iraq.
January
30, 2003 – At a Foreign Relations Committee Hearing
on Iraq, Feingold says that war with Iraq does not make sense
and we must not take action - risking American lives - that
will make us less secure in the end.
January
28, 2003 – Feingold reacts to the President's State
of the Union Address and calls the Congress's vote to give
the President authority to start a war in Iraq misguided.
November
8, 2002 – In a speech to the World Affairs Council
of San Francisco, Feingold urges the President to tell the
American people what kinds of national commitments an invasion
in Iraq may entail. He also states that legislators and the
American public have a right, if not a duty, to look into
the motives and reasons for war with Iraq.
October
9, 2002 – On the floor of the United States Senate,
Feingold announces that he will vote against the resolution
authorizing the use of force in Iraq. Feingold says the administration's
explanations do not justify a new major war in the middle
of the current fight against the terrorism of al Qaeda and
related organizations.
October
7, 2002 – The President addresses the American people
regarding possible military action in Iraq. Feingold says
the President failed in his attempt to place Iraq's pursuit
of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and historical relationship
to international terrorists in the context of the global campaign
against terrorism.
October
4, 2002 – Feingold indicates that the majority of
Wisconsinites who have contacted him agree and oppose the
war in Iraq.
October
2, 2002 – Feingold announces that he cannot support
the proposal unveiled by the President and the House leadership
regarding authorization of force in Iraq.
September
27, 2002 – Feingold calls on the administration to
clarify its plans regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction
and to advise Congress and the American people of the commitment
that the U.S. is prepared to make in a post-invasion Iraq
and the effect of that commitment on the fight against terrorism.
September
26, 2002 – On the floor of the United States Senate,
Feingold states that the fight against terrorism must remain
a top priority and that the administration's "discussion
draft" of a resolution authorizing the use of force against
Iraq is unacceptable.
September
25, 2002 – At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Hearing on Iraq, Feingold questions the administration's shifting
justifications for going to war in Iraq.
September
5, 2002 – Feingold states that he is pleased that
the President has decided to seek Congressional approval but
still contends that the administration has not made the case
for war with Iraq.
August
27, 2002 – Feingold issues statement disagreeing
with the President's lawyers and arguing that Congressional
approval is needed before any war with Iraq.
July
31, 2002 – At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Hearing on Iraq, Feingold says Congressional authorization
is needed before any conflict with Iraq.
July
25, 2002 – Feingold co-sponsors S.J. Res 41–
a resolution that calls for an open debate on plans for Iraq.
June
10, 2002 – On the floor of the United States Senate,
Feingold discusses war powers and the need for the President
to come to Congress if he plans to go to war with Iraq.
April
28, 2002 – Feingold comments on a story that states
that President Bush may have plans for a new military campaign
against Iraq. Feingold calls on the President to come to Congress
for authorization. He states that while he supports the use
of force in response to the September 11th attacks, the President
must get another authorization from Congress to go into Iraq.
April
17, 2002 – At the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
on Applying the War Powers Resolution to the War on Terrorism,
Feingold states that the resolution that passed Congress to
authorize the use of force against those responsible for the
September 11, 2001, attacks does not authorize the President
to go forward with war in Iraq.
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