Democratic Plan to Change Direction in Iraq

On Thursday, the House Democratic Majority unveiled a new plan to end the war in Iraq, strengthen our security and provide our troops with the support they deserve. Our proposal establishes clear benchmarks in order to hold the Bush Administration and the Iraqi government accountable, and sets a firm timetable for bringing our combat troops home. President Bush has already threatened to veto this plan. We need your help to overcome his opposition and change direction in Iraq.



The U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act gives the American people a real alternative to the failed approach of the Bush Administration. We've seen the terrible consequences of President Bush's failed policy in Iraq. It has made us less, not more, secure. Moreover, our troops have not had adequate equipment to protect them in Iraq, nor the proper health care to treat the wounded who return home. That's why we ask you to stand with us today and become a citizen co-sponsor of the House Democrats' plan to end the war in Iraq and treat our troops with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Click here to tell Republicans in Washington it's time to truly support the troops. Become a citizen co-sponsor of the House Democrats' plan to end the war in Iraq.

Let me tell you how our plan works.

• It establishes a timetable to bring our combat troops home within the next 18 months and is consistent with the unanimous recommendations of the independent bipartisan Iraq Study Group (Baker-Hamilton Commission). Depending on circumstances, all combat troops could be home as early as December 2007 but no later than August 2008.
  
  
• We impose real benchmarks to hold the Iraqi government accountable. If the Iraqi government fails to meet its obligations, the redeployment of our combat troops would begin immediately.
  
  
• Our plan refocuses our military on defeating the Al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan who were responsible for the attacks of September 11, 2001.
  
  
• The House Democratic plan requires that our troops be adequately equipped and trained before they are sent into battle.
  
  
• Finally, we insist upon top-notch medical care and first-class benefits for our military personnel and the new generation of veterans. Our wounded soldiers need to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

This is a plan that truly supports our troops. It is a smart, strategic policy that strengthens our national security and ensures that our soldiers get the training, equipment and support they deserve.

However, our success is far from certain. You know the Bush Administration and its Republican Rubber Stamp allies in Congress will continue to stand in the way of change in Iraq. In fact, President Bush has already threatened to veto this plan.

Click here to tell Republicans in Washington it's time to truly support the troops. Become a citizen co-sponsor of the House Democrats' plan to end the war in Iraq.

We need your help today to end the war in Iraq, make America safer and support our troops. An overwhelming majority of Americans support the Democratic plan to demand results in Iraq and to set a responsible timetable for bringing our combat troops home. That's why they voted for change in both houses of Congress.

But we've seen that President Bush and Republicans still won't listen to the American people. The only way we can overcome their opposition is by using our majority to build a movement that cannot be stopped. By becoming a citizen co-sponsor today, you are helping us take the very first step.

Sincerely,


Chris Van Hollen

Chairman, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

P.S. Join us today to become a citizen co-sponsor and you are helping us take the very first step in bringing a New Direction in Iraq. Click here to tell Republicans in Washington to truly support the troops. Become a citizen co-sponsor of the House Democrats' plan to end the war in Iraq.

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