At press time the House was preparing to vote on a measure to provide funds through midsummer. Further funding through Sept. 30 would require a second vote after Bush submits a series of reports on progress in Iraq.
Meanwhile, in a letter, the heads of the congressional Progressive and Out of Iraq caucuses, California Democrats Lynn Woolsey, Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters, congratulated House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “on your skillful leadership and guidance” of the vetoed appropriations bill and said though they differed on the measure, they look forward to working on renewed efforts to end the war.
They proposed amendments to the upcoming 2008 Defense Authorization Bill, including “complete, holistic change in U.S. policy” toward Iraq, repealing Bush’s war-making authority there and cutting off funds except to withdraw all troops and contractors, while stepping up diplomatic initiatives in the area.
Cracks continued to grow in Republican ranks. House Republican leader John Boehner said that by September or October, “members are going to want to know how well this is working, and if it isn’t, what’s Plan B?” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was exploring attaching political benchmarks for the Iraqi government.
mbechtel @ pww.org
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