Jason Altmire on War & Peace

Congress must ask for realistic goals in Iraq

Pres. Bush led this country into war based upon facts that were simply untrue. There were no weapons of mass destruction; and we were not greeted as liberators. The President went to war without a clear strategy for victory and has ignored the experts on the ground in Iraq. We need a Congress that will ask the Administration to produce a clear and realistic set of goals that will measure progress on the ground and the ability of the Iraqis to take control of their country as soon as possible. Source: Campaign website, www.jasonaltmire.com, "Issues" Nov 7, 2006

No additional troops to Iraq

Q: Should the US send more troops to Iraq?

A: No.

Q: Should the US continue to provide leadership in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?

A: Yes.

Q: Should the US use diplomatic and economic pressure to encourage North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program?

A: Yes.

Q: Should the US use military force to dismantle the North Korean nuclear weapons program?

A: No.

Q: Should the US increase military support to Afghanistan?

A: No.

Source: 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test Nov 7, 2006

Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq starting in 90 days.

To provide for the redeployment of US Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq. Requires within 90 days to commence the redeployment; and to complete such redeployment within 180 days after its commencement. Prohibits the use of DOD funds to increase the number of US forces serving in Iraq in excess of the number serving in Iraq as of January 1, 2007, unless specifically authorized by Congress. Authorizes retaining in Iraq US forces for providing security for diplomatic missions; for targeting al-Qaeda; and for training Iraqi Security Forces. Requires the President to transfer to the government of Iraq all interest held by the US in any military facility in Iraq.

Proponents support voting YES because:

This war is a terrible tragedy, and it is time to bring it to an end. This is a straightforward bill to redeploy our military forces from Iraq and to end the war in Iraq. This bill does not walk away from the Iraqi people. It specifically continues diplomatic, social, economic, and reconstruction aid. Finally, this bill leaves all the decisions on the locations outside of Iraq to which our troops will be redeployed wholly in the hands of our military commanders.

Opponents support voting NO because:

This legislation embraces surrender and defeat. This legislation undermines our troops and the authority of the President as commander in chief. Opponents express concern about the effects of an ill-conceived military withdrawal, and about any legislation that places military decisions in the hands of politicians rather than the military commanders in the field. The enemy we face in Iraq view this bill as a sign of weakness. Now is not the time to signal retreat and surrender. It is absolutely essential that America, the last remaining superpower on earth, continue to be a voice for peace and a beacon for freedom in our shrinking world.

Reference: Out of Iraq Caucus bill; Bill H R 2237 ; vote number 2007-330 on May 10, 2007

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