Support Abercrombie/Jones resolution for exit plan from Iraq

In the current edition of U.S. News and World Report, Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) comments that in Iraq “things aren't getting better; they're getting worse. The White House is completely disconnected from reality.” Even more importantly, he also notes that “more and more of my colleagues up here are concerned.”

Representatives Abercrombie (D-HI) and Jones (R-NC) have proposed a resolution calling for President Bush to draft a plan for withdrawal that would bring soldiers home starting in October 2006. The resolution now has a total of 18 co-sponsors, including both Democrats and Republicans. The bipartisan nature of the resolution is important. For the first time, members of President Bush’s own party are questioning his policy in Iraq.

There is a growing belief among the public and politicians on both sides of the aisle that the situation in Iraq has been handled disastrously by the Administration. Clearly, the time has come for a serious debate about planning our withdrawal from Iraq – and some elected officials from both parties have begun to assert their constitutional responsibilities.

Our presence in Iraq has already cost the American people dearly. Over 1,700 soldiers have been killed and over 12,000 wounded; the most recent spending bill has pushed the cost of the war over $200 billion. Deadly attacks against American and Iraqi security forces continue on a daily basis and the occupation by American troops provides insurgents with a constant stream of new recruits.