I found this piece by Russ inspiring. I hope you do, too.
http://www.tompaine.com/...
Our founders wisely kept the power to fund a war separate from the power to conduct a war. In their brilliant design of our system of government, Congress got the power of the purse, and the president got the power of the sword. As James Madison wrote, "Those who are to conduct a war cannot in the nature of things, be proper or safe judges, whether a war ought to be commenced, continued or concluded."
Russ offers the observation "in 1998, Congress passed spending legislation that prevented U.S. troops from serving in Bosnia after June 30, 1998, unless the president made certain assurances."
Cheney has come out and has said the non-binding resolutions "will not stop us".
Here is Russ Feingold's response:
"It is Congress’ responsibility to challenge an administration that persists in a war that is misguided and that the nation opposes."
S.121
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
S.448
A bill to prohibit the use of funds to continue deployment of the United States Armed Forces in Iraq beyond six months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
What does it take to make Senator Feingold's resolutions a reality?
It's not just Russ pushing in the Senate.
Democrats in the House are pushing:
What does it take to make Lynn Woolsey's {CA-06} words concerning HR 508:
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
"It's long title is The Bring Our Troops Home and the Iraq Soverignty Restoration Act. And it would end the US occupation in Iraq within six months, saving lives and limbs and money, and America's standing in the world. HR 508 is the only comprehensive legislation that puts us on the fast-track to a fully funded military withdraw from Iraq.
or Jerry Nadler NY-08, House Bill HR 455
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
"the safe and orderly withdrawal of the United States Armed Forces from Iraq pursuant to a schedule that provides for commencement of the withdrawal not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and completion of the withdrawal not later than December 31, 2007."
or Jack Murtha PA-12, HJ RES 18
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
Redeployment of troops.
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And some people we may not know as well, representing their constituents nonetheless.
Sam Farr, CA-17
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243) and to require the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Iraq.
David E Price, NC-04
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
"Expiration- The authority for the President to use the Armed Forces as provided by Public Law 107-243 expires on December 31, 2007."
James P. McGovern, MA-03
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
To provide for the safe and orderly withdrawal of United States military forces and Department of Defense contractors from Iraq, and for other purposes.
Earl Blumenauer, OR-03
http://thomas.loc.gov/...
Commencement of Redeployment- Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall begin the redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq.
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What does it take to gel all of this regional momentum together and stop the insanity in Iraq?
update: It appears there is some good news. S.470 Carl Levin's well intentioned but ineffectual 'sense of the Senate' bill seems to be withdrawn. When I get up in the morning, I'll try to confirm that.
Meanwhile, keep the pressure up
Write your Congressperson http://www.house.gov/...
Write your Senator http://www.senate.gov/...