Susan meets with our troops in Iraq in 2003.

Susan speaks to the media about the need for a Department of Peace because she believes diplomatic efforts done well can prevent armed conflict and save lives.

On the House Armed Services Committee, Susan asks tough questions of defense experts and Administration officials.

On the Issues

Iraq

Susan voted against H. J. Res. 114, the original authorization for President Bush to use military force in Iraq. She felt a unilateral use of force would isolate America from our allies around the world and reinforce the cause of our enemies.  Also, she believed all non-military options had not been exhausted and that there had not been sufficient planning for the occupation and rebuilding of Iraq (in a post-Saddam Hussein era). 

Since 2003, more than 4,000 American service members have died and more than 30,000 have been injured as a result of President Bush’s decision to go to war.  We owe it to the families of our fallen service members and all the men and women serving in our military to immediately change our policy in Iraq.  To get out right, we need a responsible policy change that includes a greater emphasis on diplomacy in the region, political reconciliation between Iraqis, and putting more of the burden of stabilization and reconstruction on the Iraqi government.

The Status of Forces Agreement signed by the United States and Government of Iraq requires U.S. military forces, with some exceptions, to be removed from major population centers by mid-2009 and out of Iraq by the end of 2011.  Susan supports timelines for removing our forces and will work with the Obama Administration to ensure that our forces and allies in the region are protected during the transition process.  Susan will also continue to advocate for an increased level of diplomatic engagement that will create a regional dialogue about Iraq and force countries in the region to take more responsibility in supporting peace.  The United States must also look at the broader struggle in the region and ensure that our efforts in the Middle East use all of the resources of the federal government, not just the military.