Webb To Ratchet Up Role Against Iraq War - "it's time for us to stop"

[jefferson_dem]

:patriot:

Webb To Ratchet Up Role Against Iraq War

Jim Webb is hoping to play a leading role in the Dem Congress' efforts to stall the war after the July 4th Congressional recess. Webb told a blogger conference call this afternoon that he plans to introduce an amendment to the must-pass defense authorization bill that will increase "dwell time," the amount of time troops stay at home before redeployment, to at least the amount of time active-duty troops spend deployed.

In April, Defense Secretary Bob Gates announced that to support the surge, all active-duty Army soldiers in the Middle East will spend 15 months deployed and only 12 months before the next deployment, in defiance of the Army's desired ratio of twice as much dwell time as deployment time.

Webb's move will be controversial: if attached to the defense bill, the White House will likely portray it as a backdoor measure to reduce troop levels, since the increased dwell time will prevent recently-returned troops from relieving units rotating out of Iraq. While Webb said he hadn't worked out the exact size of the force that would become available in Iraq if his amendment passes, he signaled his readiness for the White House's response.

"If it does result in fewer troops, I would support that, anyway," Webb said in response to a question from TPM. "We've reached the point where we've burned these troops out. Our operational policies change from month to month, and it's time for us to stop." --Spencer Ackerman

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/

[IA_Seth]

1. And that is real support of our troops!

Thank you Senator Webb!

[snowbear]

2. ~~Awesome~~

Way to go Senator Webb!

~~~

[PBass]

3. Boy oh boy, I really hope to see Senator Webb get some traction...

speaking as someone who followed his campaign (and donated) even though Webb doesn't represent my district. I still remember the incredible rebuttal he gave to Bush's State Of The Union address!!!! After Webb voted to keep funding the war it was like a punch to the gut, and I even called his office to say so.

If Senator Webb can step up now, he could really lead on the Iraq situation... REALLY lead. Webb has the credibility and demeanor to make it rain, if you catch my drift.

FINGERS CROSSED!

[TwilightGardener]

4. I applaud Jim Webb for this--

I think this was what he was going to introduce in March (with my Senator, Hagel) to reduce the deployment burden on troops. I hope he gets somewhere with it--I've been waiting for it to be introduced.