We have watched the Democratic leadership in Congress fumble this situation long enough.
We need 218 determined Representatives in Congress to insist on the following:
Authorize the use of 60,000 additional troops for twelve months. This would bring U.S. troops strength in Iraq to 200,000, which will enable the military to achieve specific objectives.
Date specific benchmarks:
- 20,000 fully qualified and on duty Iraqi police officers by May 1, 2008.
- Increase the number of combat-effective, self-sufficient Iraqi troops to 100,000 by May 1, 2008.
- Increase local employment by 50%, in public and private sectors, in Iraq by May 1, 2008.
This will result in a significant reduction in sectarian violence and establish internal stability that allows for the Iraqi government to begin meeting the needs of the Iraqi people. Iraqis will have been given the security and training needed to stand up so that the United States can stand down.
U.S. troop drawdown begins on May 1, 2008. The caucus of 218 representatives will authorize no further funding for the war in Iraq, beyond the cost of withdrawal, after this date.
Here's the catch:
Should the President reject this offer, in whole or part, no further funding for the war in Iraq will be approved by this united caucus, beyond the cost of immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
In other words, "All in or nothing at all."
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For a thorough examination of the de-funding measure, I want to recommend the following outstanding diaries:
Iraq and the Congress: 2 Choices, For or Against, by Big Tent Democrat
How Are The Dems Doing On Iraq? Badly, by Big Tent Democrat
How the Congress Can Get the US Out of Iraq, by Big Tent Democrat
ACTION: Where do House Dems stand on defunding?, by Major Danby
Please note: It is entirely possible that neither Big Tent Democrat nor Major Danby will approve of my suggestion here. Nevertheless, their diaries on de-funding are crucial reading for everyone.
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Now, let's talk about this.