House Progressives Oppose More War Funding

The Obama Administration, allied with Congressional leaders, is trying to push through additional funding to wind down the war in Iraq and build up the one in Afghanistan. The war-funding bill is opposed by both Republicans (because of its funding for the IMF) and progressive Democrats (because it does not end the war quickly enough), and as a result may not pass. See the news report excerpted below.

Now is a good time to call your Congressional representative and tell them to end war funding, and instead to fund infrastructure development in Iraq and Afghanistan and health-care at home.

Pelosi puts pressure on Dems to OK war funding

(06-16) 04:00 PDT Washington — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House will try to muscle through a $106 billion war funding bill today, hoping to quell a rebellion among liberal Democrats against further support for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The fight has two Bay Area Democrats from across the Golden Gate locked in a seesaw struggle to corral votes: Pelosi, of San Francisco, against Petaluma’s Lynn Woolsey, co-chairwoman of the House Progressive Caucus and a fierce opponent of the war.

“I see no reason to be keeping our troops in Iraq that much longer and to start into Afghanistan when there’s no end in sight,” Woolsey said Monday. …

…

Democratic leaders added sweeteners to lure votes for the war bill, including $7.7 billion to prepare for flu pandemics and $1 billon for a “cash for clunkers” program to provide as much as $4,500 in rebates to consumers who trade in old cars for vehicles with higher fuel efficiency.

…

Rep. Jackie Speier, a San Mateo Democrat, said Monday that she would vote against the funding. … Speier said she has “serious problems with the current wars” and does not believe “escalating the conflicts make America or the world safer.”

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There is also widespread dismay over Obama’s “surge” of troops into Afghanistan without a clear exit strategy. Modeled on the Bush administration’s Iraq surge, which quelled violence there, the Afghanistan effort will double the number of U.S. troops in the country, to 68,000 by the end of the year.

Today’s vote is expected to be close. Democratic leaders need as many as 18 of the 51 Democrats who opposed the war funding in May to reverse themselves. The legislation has twice been pulled from consideration for lack of votes.

Democrats must carry the load themselves, with Republicans who supported similar bills during the Bush administration expected to vote against the bill on grounds that it includes $5 billion for the International Monetary Fund. …

Rep. George Miller, a Martinez Democrat and top Pelosi ally who has opposed war funding, reluctantly switched sides Monday.

“I understand the deep frustrations regarding this bill; I’ve voiced them myself and have consistently voted against the war,” Miller said. “I don’t support the war in Iraq, and I want to bring it to a close. I registered my concern, but now it is time to give President Obama what he believes he needs to make progress. …”

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Pelosi is telling recalcitrant members “that we need to do this, this is President Obama’s plan for both Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s got a plan to end the war in Iraq,” Daly said. “He’s got a plan to refocus our efforts in Afghanistan, and we need to support the president in that, and this is the right way to go.”

How House members polled Monday broke down on the $106 billion bill:

On the fence: Sam Farr, Monterey; Mike Thompson, Napa; Mike Honda, San Jose; Jerry McNerney, Pleasanton; Doris Matsui, Sacramento
Likely/definite yes: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco; George Miller, Martinez
Likely/definite no: Lynn Woolsey, Petaluma; Barbara Lee, Oakland; Pete Stark, Fremont; Jackie Speier, San Mateo
Not returning calls: Anna Eshoo, Palo Alto; Zoe Lofgren, San Jose

[Read entire story]

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