Hill Democrats Explore New Strategy on Iraq

[cal04]

Plan Would Link Funding to Political Gains
By Jonathan Weisman
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/04/AR2007120402216.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Facing increasing evidence of military progress in Iraq, some Democratic congressional leaders are eyeing a shift in legislative strategy that would abandon a link between $50 billion in additional war funding sought by President Bush to a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops. Instead they would tie the measure to political advances by the Iraqi government.

For nearly a year, Democrats have tried and failed to use war funds to push timelines for troop withdrawals, troop-training requirements, and prescribed periods of rest for weary soldiers and Marines.

Now, House Democratic Caucus Committee Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) is examining a new approach, releasing war funds in small increments, with further installments tied to specific performance measures for Iraq's politicians. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) also is searching for a new approach and has been briefed on the idea of more explicitly tying funds to political progress.

The new thrust has divided Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, some of whom say they will never approve additional funding for the Iraq war without troop-withdrawal timelines. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) remains skeptical, House Democratic leadership sources said, and Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) has vacillated between seeking compromise with Republicans and holding firmly to troop-withdrawal language.

[lvx35]

1. God its sad they should have to do this.

Its like you pay somebody to build a house, but nothing gets done and they keep asking for more money. A million dollars in, with nothing done, you start saying "we'll pay you $40,000 if you pour the foundation, and if you get that done, we'll give you more money for the frame..."

Its the right idea if they plan to be agressive though...They should be making Bush dance for nickels. But they should remain mindful of what's going to happen in Iraq when the pressure is put on single groups, rather than on the government as a whole.

[spag68]

2. New plan

Screw Rahm, stay with the plan they have, or better yet no new funding.

[bemildred]

3. Lots of people are dying: "We have to stay".

Fewer people are dying: "We have to stay".

Whatever happens, the War Party thinks we need more war.

[classysassy]

4. The enablers

those worthless,spineless democrats keep giving Bush money to kill people and have our men and women killed,SHAME ON ALL OF YOU.

[MasonJar]

5. Hey, Ill. and Md., cannot you rid the House of Emanuel and Hoyer?