... but the troops should leave. Now that we've started this mess, and by many accounts made things worse, we're committed. But a military presence clearly isn't helping.
So, here's a thing. The Bush administration is requesting $65 billion in additional funding this year to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Debate on the fiscal year 2006 (FY06) supplemental appropriations bill, which contains this request, will begin on the House floor today.
I would love it if it didn't pass, but it will. But there's a glimmer of progressive response from Rep Tom Allen (D-ME). He's proposed an amendment to block the establishment of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq. The amendment states simply: “None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be obligated or expended to construct facilities for the permanent basing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq."
Rep. Allen has asked progressive groups for help to generate calls to members of the House asking their support. Please call today. I promise it's a waste of a nickel in my case, but I called anyway.
Other amendments aimed at restricting or conditioning funds for the war in Iraq will also be offered to the Iraq war supplemental funding request. Some members may oppose the measure altogether because of the large amount of additional funding contained in the bill for the war in Iraq. Ask your representative to vote in favor of all measures that would bring a swift end to this costly and explosive conflict.
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