News & Politics - Iraq War Spending Bills Blocked in Senate

elisheva · 11-16-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

November 16, 2007
War Bills From Both Parties Fail in Senate
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 — Senate Republicans today easily blocked an effort by Democrats to act on a war spending bill that would have provided $50 billion for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but would have required that troop withdrawals from Iraq begin within 30 days.

The bill had numerous other strings attached a well, including a goal of completing re-deployment from Iraqby mid-December 2008 and a narrowing of the Iraqmission to focus on counter-terrorism and training of Iraqi security forces.

The vote today was the latest attempt by Democrats to force President Bush to shift his war strategy, but they were able to muster only 53 of the 60 votes needed to cut off debate and move to a vote; 45 senators voted against the measure.

A Republican counter-measure, which would have provided $70 billion for the military operations with no strings attached, also failed.

The House approved the supplemental war spending bill earlier in the week, and Democrats there had hoped that the Senate leadership would force the Republicans to filibuster, adding drama to what has become a familiar routine of Republicans using their powerful minority to block war-related legislation.

But with lawmakers eager to head home for the Thanksgiving recess, there was little rhetoric on the floor and the votes were taken in quick succession.

There is enough money in the defense spending bill that Mr. Bush signed earlier this week to keep the military operations going through mid-February, because of a provision that allows the Defense Department to shift money from other Pentagon accounts.

Democrats, who have failed all year to force a change in Mr. Bush’s handling of the war, nonetheless seized the opportunity in hopes of reminding the American public that they are still intent on achieving that goal. Republicans, in turn, accused them of wasting time.

Senator Mel Martinez, Republican of Florida, said the Democrats should accept that they cannot change the war policy. “The commander in chief is the guy in charge of running and war and they can’t affect that,” he said. “They are not going to get the votes to do what they are trying to do, so I don’t see why they would continue to do that.”

But Democrats, including the majority leader, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, said they would continue to press for an end to the war. “We must not forget that 2007 has now been the deadliest year for our troops of the entire war,” Mr. Reid said in a speech on the Senate floor. “We must remember that more than 3,800 Americans have died. That tens of thousands more have been gravely wounded. That, according to the Joint Economic Council, more than $1 trillion has already been spent. And that 5 million Iraqi men, women and children have fled their neighborhoods or left the country altogether out of a total population of less than 30 million.”

The fight over war spending is certain to resume early next year.

Thoughts?

jerkstore · 11-19-2007, 09:49 AM

I wish the Democrats would grow a spine and impeach Bush and Chaney.

migamoo · 11-19-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerkstore (View Post)

I wish the Democrats would grow a spine and impeach Bush and Chaney.

There's little over a year left, so I don't think there's much use for something like that now.

4N6 DNA · 11-19-2007, 11:23 AM

I am not sure how I feel about Senator Martinez's comment about "it's not gonna happen so don't even try." Isn't that the foundation of our congress? To have a balance of ideas?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerkstore (View Post)

I wish the Democrats would grow a spine and impeach Bush and Chaney.

It isn't as easy as the Dems would like it to be. I think that they are afraid or a backfire, like with the republicans impeaching Clinton. And many things need to happen before the Dems hae a chance. Like Pelosi would need some sense knocked into her first to get her to actually abide by laws. The Dems with Pelosi as speaker of the house lack the political fortitude needed for impeachment.

And couldn't the president pardon himself, or Cheney?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fieryangel (View Post)

There's little over a year left, so I don't think there's much use for something like that now.

Even if they were impeached the very last day of office, I know a lot of americans would be nothing but thrilled

ceilirose · 11-19-2007, 11:34 AM

I think the Democrats that were elected from so called "red" districts don't want to lose re-election next year. If you're an opponent of the war than "fatigue outrage" has set in. We're stuck with them until '09 and then God help the person who has to deal with and clean up this mess.

elisheva · 11-19-2007, 12:12 PM

I don't see how impeachment is a useful solution.

That would be so unnecessarily polarizing and divisive. Isn't the answer to try and find solutions that can appeal to a broader range of citizens?

**sunnykerr** · 11-19-2007, 09:07 PM

It would be, but these politicians are already so divided and polarized that I don't think any one of them is going to dare to anything that might peeve their base. Not in an election year anyway.


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