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Nancy Pelosi vs. The path out of Iraq

 

Democratic Leader and San Francisco Representative Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi led the way in 2002 and voted against the initial authorization for the War in Iraq. Since that vote, however, she has consistently refused to support any measure in Congress that would hold the Bush administration accountable for its illegal war based on ÒfixedÓ intelligence. Over 60% of the American public now believes the War in Iraq was a mistake, and 63% of San Francisco voters passed a resolution for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq. While there is growing bipartisan support in Congress to develop and implement an exit strategy, Nancy Pelosi refuses to take a stand and co-sponsor any legislation to bring the war and occupation to an end, even non-binding resolutions that require no action by the Administration. The War in Iraq is a threat to the rule of law. It sets a dangerous precedent in the world, endangers our military and civilian men and women abroad, and fuels the Òwar on terrorism.Ó We call on Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi to not only represent San Francisco, but as the Democratic Leader of the House to take the lead and bring our troops home.

 

Nancy Pelosi refused to co-sponsor two resolutions in 2003 that 1) could have averted the war and 2) would have investigated the intelligence that the war was based on.*

 

Þ             H. Res. 55 (2/5/03) – Alcee HastingsÕ non-binding resolution to give UN weapons inspectors sufficient time for inspections and for the United States to seek a Security Council resolution specifically authorizing the invasion of Iraq.

Þ             H.Res. 410 (10/21/03) – Barbara LeeÕs non-binding resolution to create an independent commission to investigate United States intelligence relating to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

 

Nancy Pelosi refused to join the call to investigate the Downing Street Memos.*

 

Þ             H. Res. 375 – Barbara Lee and 82 co-sponsors requested that the President and the Secretary of State disclose all information and communications with officials of the United Kingdom between January 1, 2002 and October 16, 2002, relating to United States policy with Iraq. It failed to pass in committee.

 

 

Nancy Pelosi refuses to co-sponsor legislation to alter and monitor United States policy in Iraq.*

 

Þ             H. Res. 82 – Barbara LeeÕs non-binding resolution disavowing the doctrine of preemption.

Þ             H. Res. 627 – Duncan HunterÕs resolution condemning the abuse of Iraqi prisoners: 365 Members of the House voted YES; Pelosi voted NO.

Þ             H. Con. Res. 197 – Barbara Lee proposed a requirement that the U.S. not enter into any base agreement that would lead to a permanent military presence in Iraq.

Þ             H.R. 3142 – Tom Allen proposed a requirement that the U.S. not maintain a long-term or permanent military presence in Iraq.

 

Note: In H.R. 1268, the 2005 $82 billion Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, there is a provision for Òpermanent facilitiesÓ in Iraq.

Nancy Pelosi refuses to co-sponsor what Democrats and Republicans alike are proposing. A withdrawal.*

 

Þ             H.Con.Res. 35 – Lynn WoolseyÕs non-binding resolution to develop and implement a plan for immediate withdrawal from Iraq.

Þ             Note: On July 22, 2005 the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an official resolution urging Nancy Pelosi and Tom Lantos to co-sponsor H.Con.Res. 35.

 

Þ             H.J. Res. 55–Homeward Bound – Abercrombie and Jones, along with 58 co-sponsors, proposed a bipartisan resolution requiring the Bush Administration to announce a plan for withdrawal no later than December 31, 2005, turn over all military operations to the elected Government of Iraq, and initiate a withdrawal of U.S. troops no later than October 1, 2006.

Þ             H.Amdt.214 to H.R. 1815 – Lynn Woolsey proposed a non-binding amendment to develop a plan for the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq. 128 Members of the House voted YES; Pelosi voted NO.

 

 

Nancy Pelosi consistently votes to spend billions of dollars per year on the War in Iraq while vital public services are being cut at home.*

 

Þ             H.R. 1268 – The 2005 $82 billion Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, which includes a provision for Òpermanent facilitiesÓ in Iraq.

Total Cost between 3/19/03 and 05/12/05:  $260.3 Billion**

Total Cost as of September 26, 2005:  $280.3 Billion**

Þ             H.R. 2863 -- House Appropriations Bill for FY2006 proposes an additional $129.38 billion for continued military operations and personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan available October 1, 2005.

 

Total Cost of War as of October 1, 2005 -- $409.68 Billion

 

More than 100,000 Iraqi fatalities in less than 3 years

Nearly 2,000 U.S. Military fatalities

More than 180 Coalition Military fatalities

More than 240 Coalition Civilian Humanitarian and Contractors fatalities

More than 330 Private Contractor fatalities

More than 65 Journalist fatalities

 

Demand Better. Demand Accountability.

Demand Leadership.

 

Contact Nancy PelosiÕs office at 415.556.4862 or sf.nancy@mail.house.gov today.

 

United for Peace and Justice is a national anti-war coalition encompassing over one thousand separate groups. Visit United for Peace and Justice-Bay Area at http://ufpj-bayarea.org or the national website at http://www.unitedforpeace.org.

 

* -- See http://thomas.loc.gov/ for Congressional information or search for full text of Resolutions by Bill Number at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/search.html.

** -- See Friends Committee on National Legislation at www.fcnl.org.