ASSEMBLY SET TO TAKE TWO-MONTH RECESS STARTING IN JULY

Washington, Jun 7, 2007 - "American troops continue to expand their military operations in Iraq along with Iraqi units, and it is unconscionable that the Iraqi National Assembly is even considering a two-month recess starting in July," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "We are looking to the Assembly to make progress in oil-revenue sharing and other steps toward stabilizing Iraq.  These goals are far more important than taking time off."
Stearns has introduced H.Res. 469, a resolution "Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Iraqi National Assembly should cancel or postpone its planned two-month recess scheduled to begin in July 2007 and work toward meeting political, social, and military benchmarks."
Added Stearns, "Congress and the President have established 18 benchmarks for the Iraqi government covering electoral reform, setting up provisional elections, ensuring the loyalty of its police and military forces, and establishing a program to disarm militias.  We need accountability and progress from the Iraqi government; they have work to finish and they should stay in Baghdad until it is completed."