Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns regarding the war in Iraq . As you may be aware, in October of 2002, I voted against authorizing the use of military force against Iraq . I believed then, as I do now, that initiating military force against the Iraqi government was not just ill-advised, but that it would also unwisely redirect our military resources from the war in Afghanistan .

Over four years into this war, President Bush continues to maintain a stay-the-course policy that shows few signs of success and keeps our men and women in uniform in harm's way. While I continue to stand in opposition to the Administration's policies and management of this war, others remain in steadfast support of the President's policy.

Regardless of where you stand, I think we all wholeheartedly believe that the safety of our troops must be a top priority. I believe we must supply our troops with the best equipment available and the resources necessary to keep them safe. In addition, I believe the time has come for the Iraqis to stand up and take control of their government and their future.

To that extent, House Democrats passed two bills this spring containing tough benchmarks for success for both the U.S. and the Iraqi government, including one that had enforceable timetables for ending the war, responsibly redeploying our troops, and refocusing on terrorism.

Sadly, President Bush vetoed the first bill, and Democrats alone could not provide sufficient votes to override that veto.  The Senate was unable to pass the second bill to impose tough accountability on President Bush and the Iraqis without making some accommodations. In the end, the President did abandon his threat to veto any bill containing accountability for his management of the war.

Ultimately, I supported H.R. 2206, the bill to provide emergency funds for operations in Iraq for the remaining months of the fiscal year because it provided the funding needed by our troops while setting forth eighteen specific benchmarks for the Iraqi government to meet. In addition, it established a reporting system to measure progress and hold the President accountable, even if that means cutting-off reconstruction aid if sufficient progress is not made.

H.R. 2206 also included funding for medical and other health services for our returning troops and veterans. I don't need to tell you how critically important this is, particularly since the needs of our veterans have been overlooked for so long.

The House also recently considered H.R. 2237, a bill to provide an immediate and complete redeployment of U.S. forces and defense contractors from Iraq . I didn't disagree with the intent of that bill, but the reality was that while it was politically popular, the bill did not provide a responsible plan for redeployment or take into account ongoing operations with our troops. Furthermore, the Senate had made no indication of taking up a similar bill, leaving no opportunity for this bill to become law.

If we've learned anything from the President's poorly conceived decision to send us to war in Iraq , it is that significant foreign policy actions require well thought out plans and a roadmap for success. An immediate withdrawal without taking into account the effects it may have on our troops' safety, the Iraqi people, and the future of the region, I believe is not in the best interest of our country.

While I did not support H.R. 2237, I did vote for H.R.2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, which passed the House on July 12, 2007. I believe this to be a more comprehensive strategy of benchmarks that forces the Iraqi government to take control of their country before withdrawal of our troops. In addition, H.R. 2956 directs the Secretary of Defense to commence the reduction of the number of Armed Forces in Iraq beginning no later than 120 days after the enactment of this act and complete the reduction and transition to a limited presence in Iraq by no later than April 1, 2008. The bill also directs the President to submit a comprehensive U.S. strategy for Iraq to various congressional oversight committees starting January 1, 2008 and to frequently update this strategy throughout 2008.

We can all agree that we need a new direction in Iraq . I thank you again for sharing your opinion with me and I will certainly keep your views in mind as we move toward bringing home our troops.