Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) called on Congress to oppose the President's call for up to 20,000 additional troops:
"This Administration is preparing to escalate the conflict. They intend to increase troop levels to unprecedented numbers, without establishing an ending date.
"It is important for Congress to oppose the troop surge. But that is not enough. We must respond powerfully to take steps to end the occupation, close U.S. bases in Iraq and bring our troops home.
"These steps are necessary preconditions to the U.S. extricating itself from Iraq through the establishment of an international security and peacekeeping force.
"That's what the Kucinich Plan, which I presenting to Congress today is all about. Congress is a co-equal branch of government. We have an urgent responsibility here. Congress under Article I, Section 8, has the war-making power. Congress appropriates funds for the war.
"Congress does not dispense with its obligation to the American people simply by opposing a troop surge in Iraq. It is simply not credible to maintain that one opposes the war, yet continues to fund it. If you oppose the war, then don't vote to fund it.
Kucinich introduced a Sense of Congress resolution in the House of Representatives today, urging the President not to order an escalation in the total number of troops serving in Iraq
"This Administration is preparing to escalate the conflict. They intend to increase troop levels to unprecedented numbers, without establishing an ending date.
"It is important for Congress to oppose the troop surge. But that is not enough. We must respond powerfully to take steps to end the occupation, close U.S. bases in Iraq and bring our troops home.
"These steps are necessary preconditions to the U.S. extricating itself from Iraq through the establishment of an international security and peacekeeping force.
"That's what the Kucinich Plan, which I presenting to Congress today is all about. Congress is a co-equal branch of government. We have an urgent responsibility here. Congress under Article I, Section 8, has the war-making power. Congress appropriates funds for the war.
"Congress does not dispense with its obligation to the American people simply by opposing a troop surge in Iraq. It is simply not credible to maintain that one opposes the war, yet continues to fund it. If you oppose the war, then don't vote to fund it.
Kucinich introduced a Sense of Congress resolution in the House of Representatives today, urging the President not to order an escalation in the total number of troops serving in Iraq
