Current News in Context
June 06, 2005
For the first time since the war in Iraq began twenty-six months ago, the House of Representatives debated the need for U.S. troops to exit Iraq. Despite having failed by a vote of 300 to 128 with 5 not voting, there is much to be learned from the outcome.
The resolution was a moderate one. It set no specific timetable for withdrawal, in an effort to make it easy for members of Congress to agree. The amendment was designed to make leaving Iraq the policy of the United States. See the Friends Committee on National Legislation STEP Resolution for additional ways to support this strategy.
The first debate on withdrawal was allotted 30 minutes on the floor of the House of Representatives - 15 minutes for each side.
Amendment No. 26 simply stated:
It is the sense of Congress that the president should:
(1) develop a plan as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act to provide for the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Iraq; and
(2) transmit to the congressional defense committees a report that contains the plan described in paragraph (1).
Roll Call vote
*****
Did Somebody Say Withdrawal?
By: Ari Berman, The Nation
"For the first time since the war in Iraq began twenty-six months ago, the House of Representatives debated the need for U.S. troops to exit Iraq. The modest amendment, introduced by Rep. Lynn Woolsey of California last Thursday evening, called on President Bush to develop a plan for the withdrawal of U.S. forces."
Berman goes on to note the bi-partisan support for this measure.
"We have never voted one time together, not one time in the 11 years I have been here," conservative North Carolina Republican Walter Jones said in reference to his support for Woolsey's amendment. "What I am saying here tonight is we have a responsibility. We should not be into some endless, endless war in Iraq." Republicans Howard Coble, John Duncan, Jim Leach and Ron Paul agreed.
*****
Now we know where they stand
By: Kevin Zeese, Online Journal contributing writer
"Because Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) insisted on a roll call vote we now know who needs to be convinced. There were some disappointing votes including the Democratic leader, Nancy Pelosi, as well as members generally seen as liberals, including Rep. Cardin (D-MD), Rep. Stenny Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Sanchez (D-CA) and Rep. Udall (D-CO). Five Republicans voted for the amendment, most notably Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) who is well known for insisting that the french fries sold in the Capitol be re-named "Freedom Fries."
There is hope for next steps as well.
"A majority in Congress requires 218 votes. From this vote, it is evident that those advocating an end to the war - a view that now represents the majority of the people of the United States - are 90 votes away from success in the House of Representatives. With an election year coming in 2006, support for the war diminishing, the cost in human lives and the U.S. treasury escalating, a concerted effort by the antiwar movement to convince members of Congress should be the focus."
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