Clinton, Kerry to introduce leg. to require report on contingency plans for Iraq withdrawal

[babylonsister]

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/20/clinton-fires-back-at-the-pentagon/

July 20, 2007, 12:39 pm
Clinton Fires Back at the Pentagon

By Kate Phillips

Well, you knew Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton wouldn’t waste much time in this climate of unease and anger over the war in Iraq (amid a presidential campaign) to dash off a reply to the Pentagon.

The Democratic presidential candidate, who has over time modulated her position on the war from supporting the use of military force in 2002 to now calling for a withdrawal of most American troops and de-authorization of the use of force, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates today. In it, she complained about statements made in a letter to her this week from Undersecretary Eric Edelman, in which he warned that public discussion of any such plans for a phased withdrawal would play into enemy propaganda. (See our post from last night, with credit to The Associated Press for breaking the story.)

Saying that other members of the Bush administration had not resorted to political attacks when asked about contingency plans or the possibility of a phased withdrawal, Senator Clinton, a member of the Armed Services Committee wrote:

Rather than offer to brief the congressional oversight committees on this critical issue, Under Secretary Edelman – writing on your behalf – instead claims that congressional oversight emboldens our enemies. Under Secretary Edelman has his priorities backward. Open and honest debate and congressional oversight strengthens our nation and supports our military.

His suggestion to the contrary is outrageous and dangerous. Indeed, you acknowledged the importance of Congress in our Iraq policy at a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee in March, when you stated, “I believe that the debate here on the Hill and the issues that have been raised have been helpful in bringing pressure to bear on the Maliki government and on the Iraqis in knowing that there is a very real limit to American patience in this entire enterprise.”

As an update today, Senator Clinton and Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, plan to introduce legislation to “require a report and briefing from the Pentagon to Congress on contingency planning for withdrawal from Iraq,” according to her Senate spokesman, Philippe Reines.

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[SoonerPride]

1. Filibustered to death

It will never see George's desk.

The republic is doomed.

[William769]

2. Well at least they are doing something. NT