Iraq War Watch: TORN
CNN: Dems in tough spot with war funding bill.
Democrats in Congress face a tough decision on a bill funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that does not include a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops.Vote “yes,” and they are certain to face the wrath of anti-war forces in their political base.
Vote “no,” and they may further delay funding for military operations, in turn exposing themselves to the charge that they don’t support the troops.
Considering those unhappy options, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate decided Tuesday to remove timetables from the bill. President Bush has promised to veto the bill if it does include a withdrawal deadline, a move that would mean delaying much-needed funding for military operations.
But conveying the Democratic leadership’s hesitation to the president, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said members would not be forced into voting for the bill.
“I’m not likely to vote for something that doesn’t have a timetable or a goal of coming home,” Pelosi said.
Anti-war groups are furious at the decision of Democratic leaders to remove the timetables. MoveOn.org released a statement saying it would consider recruiting primary challengers to lawmakers who support the bill, as well as advertising against them in their districts or states.
“Voters elected Democrats in November to lead the way out of the mess in Iraq,” said Eli Pariser, executive director of MoveOn.org Political Action, who decried the bill as “just a blank check for an endless war.”
The pressure the funding measure is putting on Democratic senators running for president was clearly evident Wednesday.
The “SURRENDER MONKEYS” in the Congress really want to disarm the troops but are afraid of the repercussions – which would be suicide politically and electorally.
Come on Pelosi and Reid cut off the funds and vote against the bill!
Isn’t this bill the “blank check” that you did not wish to give the President? Isn’t this capitulation to President Bush?
Stand up for your beliefs…..
You know will be happy even though Kos and the NUTROOTS aren’t.
Pelosi and Reid REMEMBER – NO GUTS, NO GLORY
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Iraq War Watch: Democrats Blink Over Iraq War Funding
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