Local Radar

---

---

---

Congressman Barrett Votes Against Democrat Timeline


web posted March 24, 2007
WASHINGTON DC – Friday Congressman Gresham Barrett, (SC, 03), voted to support American troops by voting down a timeline that would embolden the enemy and $21.3 billion in non-emergency spending placed by House Democrats in a wartime emergency spending bill. The bill, H.R. 1591 U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act of 2007, a $124.1 billion emergency spending bill proposed by House Democrats to fund the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and domestic non-wartime projects passed the House by a vote of 218-212.

Congressman Barrett said, "The emergency funding request made by the President on our troops' behalf was for the sole purpose of their protection and support. This legislation includes a time line that undermines the mission in Iraq, weakens the moral of our troops, and emboldens our enemy.  Those serving in harms way deserve our support they do not deserve to have politicians telling them they can't win the war, and then use them to fund their own district projects.  As members of Congress, as representatives for our country, we need to be reminded of this." 

A provision of H.R. 1591 proposed a solid timeline on troop presence in Iraq and required the withdrawal of most U.S. forces from Iraq as soon as the end of 2007, but no later than the end of August 2008. More controversial was the understanding that a defined timeline for troop withdrawal could lead to a significant increase in the scale and spectrum of sectarian violence in Iraq. The provision could jeopardize the ability of the approximately 150,000 American troops to defend themselves while serving in Iraq. 

Congressman Barrett, a former Army captain and member of the Victory in Iraq Caucus, has traveled to Iraq twice since he has been a member of Congress. During his visit in 2003, Barrett met with U.S. General Petraeus on the ground in Iraq and discussed the scope of the U.S. strategy.

"It is important we do not undermine the war effort by placing a cap on our military leaders and the efficiency at which they and their troops can work. Talking to military leaders on the ground, I know the mission will be successful. It's important that our troops understand we support them here at home."

The provisions of H.R. 1591 would negatively impact a new Iraq strategy before Commanders and leaders on the ground are able to implement the new tactics. Barrett understands that the U.S. needs to implement funding for the new Iraq strategy in order to achieve America's strategic objective of a democratic Iraq that can govern, defend, and sustain itself and be an ally in the War on Terror.

Along with the retreat and defeat timeline, the $124.3 billion measure proposed by House Democrats exceeds the president's supplemental request by $21.3 billion, adding non-emergency related funding to a wartime spending bill.  This month, the President submitted a Statement of Administration Policy and said if H.R. 1591 was presented to him in its current form, he would veto the bill.
 

EdgefieldDaily.com is a member of the
Edgefield County
Chamber of Commerce
New Link Below
Information and Activities

---

Parting Shots
A new book by Columnist Carl Langley

---

-----

---

JAM Straight Customs

---

Featured Dining

La Cantina

---

---

'08 Debate
Get involved

---

NOTICE:
We still need recipes for Cooking Section
WEBNEWS –  Send in your favorite or favorites. There is no limit to the number of recipes you can send in. With the Editor’s wife being the driving force behind her own personal section, help her create an exchange of local favorites, home cooking, grilling, sauces, and deserts!  Send in your submissions here.