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Pelosi: House to Vote to Change Course in Iraq

July 10, 2007

Pelosi: House to Vote to Change Course in Iraq

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. â€" The House Democratic leadership tonight announced that the House will vote later this week on a bill to change course in Iraq. The legislation, sponsored by Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, would begin the responsible redeployment of U.S. troops within 120 days and complete redeployment by April 1, 2008. The President would have to report to Congress why troops should remain in Iraq for limited purposes such as to fight terrorism or to train Iraqi forces.

Pelosi said: "The American people have rejected the President's failed policies in Iraq and his war without end. The situation on the ground in Iraq is worsening, and the Iraqi government has failed to meet the benchmarks set in law. This week, every Member of the House will have an opportunity to vote to set a new direction in Iraq. The American people want Congress to bring our troops home, refocus our efforts to fighting terrorism, and hold the Bush Administration accountable.”

Skelton said: "A change in course in Iraq is overdue. We must begin the responsible redeployment of our forces from Iraq. The strength of the American military depends on its readiness which is currently depleted after four years in the middle of a deteriorating sectarian conflict. Our military must transition to a limited presence that protects enduring American interests and restores the readiness of our forces."