Rep. Lofgren Votes for Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment
Bill Will Require the Start of the Redeployment Within 30 days
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) today voted in favor of H.R. 4156, the Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act, which would require the start of the redeployment of U.S. forces within 30 days of enactment, with a goal for completion of the redeployment by December 15, 2008. The bill provides $50 billion to meet the immediate needs of the troops, but defers consideration of the remainder of the President’s $200 billion request. In addition to the redeployment and funding language, the bill also includes provisions to:
Prohibit deployment of U.S. troops to Iraq who are not fully trained and fully equipped;
Require a transition in the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq from primarily combat to force protection and diplomatic protection, limited support to Iraqi security forces, and targeted counterterrorism operations;
Extend to all U.S. government agencies and personnel the current prohibitions in the Army Field Manual against torture.
“Redeployment of our troops is long overdue,” noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “This bill includes a concrete timeline for the safe and orderly withdrawal of our armed forces from harm’s way in Iraq. While far from perfect, this legislation is a solid step in ending what has now become the most expensive conflict in American history. It also specifically prohibits the use of torture by any American.”
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her seventh term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. She serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. She also Chairs the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.
