Iraq: Congress Passes War Funding

Diplomacy Is a Way Forward

Iraqi children
Photo: Rick McDowell/AFSC

FCNL urges Congress to pass legislation supporting expanded U.S. diplomacy in the region and requiring congressional approval for any new U.S. security pact with Iraq. The House has passed legislation requiring congressional approval of any binding security agreement.

The Bush administration is negotiating a secret, long-term agreement with Iraq that would allow the United States to maintain a network of more than 50 military bases in Iraq, according to Iraqi government officials involved in the talks.

See a map of proposed bases in Iraq.

A Focused Movement to Change Policy

Congress will not end the Iraq war this year. But if Congress doesn’t create conditions for a U.S. withdrawal now, the next president will not be able to end the war.

Here is FCNL's proposal for what you can do.

• Work around the country: Tell your members of Congress no more funding for the Iraq war and occupation.
• Make peace an election-year issue: Put up a War Is Not the Answer sign and let all candidates know that you want them to end the war.
• Continue to work with Congress: Urge your representative to cosponsor the New Diplomatic Offensive for Iraq Act (H.R. 3797).

Read lobbyist Jim Fine's memo on how to end the war.

Read FCNL's description of the type of bipartisan policy based on internal reconciliation in Iraq, regional negotiations with all of Iraq's neighbors, and U.S. commitment to a date certain for withdrawal that will be needed to get U.S. troops out of Iraq.