Iraq concerns will reverberate in Congress

[Judi Lynn]

Thursday, September 15, 2005 · Last updated 12:32 a.m. PT

Iraq concerns will reverberate in Congress

By LIZ SIDOTI
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

WASHINGTON -- Public angst about Iraq will reverberate in Congress in the weeks ahead as lawmakers start shaping a defense spending blueprint and debate President Bush's Iraq policies.

Hurricane Katrina has topped the agenda since the House and Senate returned to Washington last week. But debate over the costly war - complicated by the $62 billion approved so far for the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast - percolates just below the surface.
(snip)

Lawmakers will resume work soon on must-pass defense legislation, and Iraqi citizens will vote on a constitution. Both are certain to intensify the war rhetoric on Capitol Hill.

At the same time, Republicans and Democrats alike will be all but forced to address their constituents' unease about the progress in Iraq, about which they heard earfuls during their summer recess. Many lawmakers face re-election next year, and their support for the Iraq war could dwindle if the war drags on into 2006.
(snip/...)

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1153&slug=Congress%20Iraq%20Katrina

[Lochloosa]

1. Iraq Concerns Will Reverberate in Congress in Coming Weeks

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB2YQOWMDE.html

By Liz Sidoti Associated Press Writer
Published: Sep 15, 2005

WASHINGTON (AP) - Public angst about Iraq will reverberate in Congress in the weeks ahead as lawmakers start shaping a defense spending blueprint and debate President Bush's Iraq policies.
Hurricane Katrina has topped the agenda since the House and Senate returned to Washington last week. But debate over the costly war - complicated by the $62 billion approved so far for the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast - percolates just below the surface.

"Katrina did not declare a truce on Iraq," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said.


(snip)

"Patience in the Congress is running thin - thinner," Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., said. "Certainly, privately, there are a lot more conversations occurring across party lines about Iraq."

[yurbud]

2. One way to cut the legs off Iraq War without hurting troops

Congress should demand that all rebuilding contracts be given to Iraqis by the Iraqi government. Previous contracts are null and void, except for actual work done (which aint much)

No contractor shall be involved in armed conflict, interrogating prisoners, or any function dealing with foreign nationals normally performed by the uniformed military or intelligence services.

All economic policies imposed by the CPA and provisional government are null and void, especially concerning oil, and the Iraqis are free to decide what to do on these issues without coercion now, and will be free to change any of them once American troops leave.

American troops will withdraw from all urban areas and cease offensive operations pending withdrawal.

[struggle4progress]

3. kick