Here's why Kennedy/Markey Bill to Cut Escalation Funding Might Work...

[KoKo]

Folks are saying that Bush doesn't need the money from Congress authorized for his War Escalation because he can simply take troops from other parts of the world and extend duty for those already serving. Or, he can hide the money in some other appropriation to fund it.

Problem would be that he needs the money to move those troops and to extend combat pay for those who have extended duty. An Escalation requires more of everything logistically. Congress can cut off that money he needs from the "Supplemental Funding" and it can demand that he not use any "shifting of funds" to Escalate. If he goes ahead and "shifts funds" they can Impeach.

Well...that's what my very hopeful scenario for the Kennedy/Markey bill can do. And, given the precedent that Kennedy said was done in Lebanon in 1981 and in '75, 76 in Vietnam, that he will be successful. Given his experience in the Senate, he would not propose this if he didn't think the outcome would be positive in the long run. :shrug:

He referred to Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution in his speech today.

[Avalux]

1. Bush will need a lot more money than just for troops -

he will more than likely need more money for reconstruction after our troops "clear neighborhoods" and demolish everything. He will also need money for a proposed job program for Iraqis.

I think Kennedy's resolution is an excellent move. I certainly don't expect Bush to stop because of it, but it puts Congress on record and Bush will be held accountable.

[AndyA]

2. I sure hope you're right.

Someone has to force Bush to put the brakes on Iraq.

Then, they need to shove the stick shift into Reverse and get our troops home! I keep hearing the solution to Iraq has moved from military to political. It's pretty obvious at this point that militarily we aren't succeeding.

[wryter2000]

3. That's a good point

It's probably safe to assume Kennedy knows more about Congress than I do.

I'm not against denying funding. It just worries me. We know Bushwa will do anything that pops into his empty little head.

[valerief]

4. Hey, it was a bumper year for Afghan poppies. Won't he use $$$

from that?