Senate Challenges U.S. Policy in Iraq
Legislation States the U.S. Will Not Build Permanent Military Bases
For immediate release -- June 23, 2006
The Senate this week rejected calls for a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, but lawmakers did unequivocally state that the U.S. will not maintain a long term military presence in Iraq – something the administration has been unwilling to do.
The Friends Committee on National Legislation, the oldest registered religious lobby in Washington, today praised the Senate for accepting an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill offered by Sen. Joseph Biden which states that none of the funds appropriated by the legislation can be used to establish permanent bases in Iraq or control Iraqi oil resources.
The inclusion of this language comes at a pivotal time. This week the Iraqi Government is planning to unveil a peace plan that calls for the phased withdrawal of foreign troops. Biden’s amendment offers a clear statement of the United States intentions in Iraq.
“The passage of Biden’s amendment sends a signal to the people of the United States, to Iraqis, and to the world community that the United States does not intend to permanently occupy Iraq,” said Joe Volk, Executive Secretary of FCNL. He noted that earlier this year the House and Senate both voted to include the “no permanent bases” language in the Supplemental Appropriations Bill. But the language in that bill was removed in conference committee.
The House has attached similar language to its versions of the military appropriations and foreign operations bills.
The passage of this amendment is progress in FCNL’s focused campaign to change the debate on Iraq. As public opinion of the Iraq war has shifted, FCNL has worked with Congress and constituents across the country to encourage a strategy that brings troops home while not abandoning the Iraqi people.
The Friends Committee on National Legislation, the oldest registered religious lobby in Washington, is a non-partisan Quaker lobby in the public interest. FCNL works with a nationwide network of tens of thousands of people from many different races, religions, and cultures to advocate for social and economic justice, peace, and good government.
For more information, see FCNL's website.
****
The Friends Committee on National Legislation, the oldest registered religious lobby in Washington, is a non-partisan Quaker lobby in the public interest. FCNL works with a nationwide network of tens of thousands of people from many different races, religions, and cultures to advocate for social and economic justice, peace, and good government.
More Press Releases
|
