Democrats Likely to Sideline Iraq Pullout Vote

[babylonsister]

Seems their 'recess' might be getting in the way of a critical agenda.


Democrats Likely to Sideline Iraq Pullout Vote
Submitted by davidswanson on Tue, 2007-07-31 15:55. Activism

By John M. Donnelly, CQ Today

The House is unlikely to vote this week on a measure that would require U.S. combat troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq, lawmakers and aides said Monday.

If the vote does not happen, Congress will in all likelihood wait until September before taking another legislative shot at pressuring the administration to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq.

Although a final decision had not been made, Democratic leaders believe the cost of taking up such a measure this week — a likely clash with Republicans that could endanger the rest of the Democrats’ pre-recess agenda — outweighs any advantages.

The proposed amendment to the fiscal 2008 Defense appropriations bill (HR 3222), by John P. Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, would require a troop withdrawal to start in 60 days but would not specify when the withdrawal must be completed.

more...

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/25284

[rodeodance]

1. Pelosi-------our troops are NOT going on vacation in Aug!

[mzmolly]

2. There is no more important "agenda." However,

considering the source, I'll await further clarification.

[babylonsister]

8. You have a problem with CQ Today?

Interesting...you can post articles from ADS when it benefits you.

[mzmolly]

10. Same can be said of you no? Don't we all post information that we feel is pertinent ?

For future reference, I have a problem with people who smear good Democrats. And I love when those same people post information that contradicts them on their own website.

[TwilightGardener]

3. All of Congress is waiting for Petraeus to rescue them from a difficult

decision--and vote--in September. Especially the Repub Senators, who were promised a few months ago by the big "P" that he'd have "results" and progress for them by August--remember that meeting reported by Andrea Mitchell? Stop believing that there will be an end to this anytime soon. Pollack and O'Hanlon (frauds) just took the political heat and pressure off of the Repubs--they could not have received a more welcome gift, and thus they'll coast into September with the promise of good news and the deferral of the moment of truth.

[zabet]

4. I wonder..

if they will vote on their pay raise before vacation...
or wait until September?

[GOTV]

6. Unless it's changed, I don't think they ever vote for a pay raise...

... they arranged it so that they get the pay raise automatically.

Also I think it happens in the winter.

But I get your point.

[dkofos]

5. The circle jerk that is the dem led congress strikes again!!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. It's a damned good thing these idiots aren't emergency room doctors.

They'd fret about getting blood on their gowns, taking a risk, making a mistake, missing their coffee break, while the patient expires.

[TahitiNut]

9. Hell, I wouldn't hire them as babysitters.

:shrug:

[mzmolly]

11. More from the article:

Aides cited additional reasons not to hold the vote on the Murtha amendment.

The measure triggered opposition from liberals because it did not specify an end date for the withdrawal. If such a date had been included to mollify anti-war lawmakers, it would have ignited a firestorm of opposition from moderate Democrats and Republicans, the aides said.

Moreover, they said, many Democrats believe they may be better situated to push for a withdrawal in September, when several defense measures will be pending.

...

The House is likely to consider two other amendments to the Defense spending bill, which is expected to come to the floor on Wednesday. One would close the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, in 180 days and provide just half of President Bush’s $225 million fiscal 2008 request for the facility.
The other amendment would require troops to be fully trained and equipped prior to combat deployments. Murtha, who may sponsor both amendments, said last week that the training provision would cause a de facto troop drawdown in Iraq.

In context, it makes more sense.