John Murtha: Murtha Statement on the Bridge Fund and the Redeployment of U.S. Troops from Iraq

“Americans are ready for real change and they are ready for our troops to come home”

November 14, 2007 -- (Washington D.C.)- This evening the House of Representatives is expected to pass H.R. 4156, the Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act. Congressman John P. Murtha, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement:

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“Political reconciliation and reform in Iraq is the responsibility of the Iraqi Government, not the U.S. military. The President fails to understand that a political and diplomatic surge is what is needed to solve Iraq’s security and economic problems.

“The longer the American occupation of Iraq lasts, the more our military readiness suffers, the lower our international credibility falls, and the further our military is diverted from preparing to meet future threats to our national security.

“A year ago, the American people demanded that Congress forge a new direction in Iraq. I strongly believe that Americans are ready for real change and that they are ready for our troops to come home. This legislation moves us in the right direction.”

H.R. 4156 – The Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act of 2008:

* Requires the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq to begin within 30 days of enactment, with a target for completion of December 15, 2008.
* Requires a transition in the mission of US forces in Iraq from primarily combat to: force protection and diplomatic protection; limited support to Iraqi security forces; and targeted counterterrorism operations.
* Prohibits deployment of any troops not fully equipped and trained; waivable with a presidential national security certification.
* Extends to all US government agencies and personnel the limitations in the Army Field Manual on permissible interrogation techniques.
* Provides $50 billion to meet the needs of the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan but defers the consideration of the remainder of the President’s nearly $200 billion request.

Source: Congressman John P. Murtha