Supplemental is a New Way Forward for Iraq,Not Another Blank Check
Today, the leadership of the New Democrat Coalition announced that it will be key voting the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act.
"Passing this supplemental funding legislation with strict accountability standards is the first step in carving a new way forward for Iraq, and it will help us provide the best possible care for our returning troops wounded in combat," said New Dem Chairman Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif). "Our members are making the passage of this legislation a key priority because we refuse to hand the President another blank check. We're also insisting on accountability from the Iraqi government to step up and contribute to an effort that has put a tremendous strain on our resources, re-directed our national focus away from the War on Terror, and has cost the lives of too many servicemen and women."
"The President is wrong to insist on ‘no strings attached' funding for an open-ended, no-end-in-sight Iraq commitment. The desire of the American people could not be clearer: we must change course in Iraq. It's time the President faces the fact that we will leave Iraq, hopefully sooner rather than later. This bill represents a comprehensive plan for a new policy and new direction. It will compel the President to finally plan for an orderly strategic redeployment in Iraq. The New Dem Coalition supports this legislation and will work with Democratic leadership to rally votes to pass it," New Dem co-chair U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said.
This is the first key vote for the New Dems since instituting new by-laws and a whip program at the start of the 110th Congress.
The New Democrat Coalition has long been dedicated to pursuing a strong, smart national security policy and committed to ensuring the readiness of our military by providing our troops the equipment and training required to be prepared for conflict.
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