House Democrats Announce Legislation: U.S. Out of Iraq by End of 2008

Jesse Lee at The Gavel reports on the "U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act." The proposed bill would: Redirect more resources to the war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan, Attack the neglect of returning troops and veterans who are badly in need of healthcare, and Set a timeline for bringing the United States participation in Iraq’s civil war to an end. The withdrawal timeline is structured "To pressure Iraqi leaders to make the compromises necessary to end the chaos that has resulted from their lack of performance to date." * By July 1st, 2007 the President must certify that Iraq is making meaningful and substantial progress in meeting political and military benchmarks including a militia disarmament program and a plan that equitably shares oil revenues among all Iraqi factions. If he does not certify - troops must begin immediate redeployment and U.S. troop involvement in the Iraq civil war must be completed by December 2007 (180 days). * By October 1st, the President must certify that Iraqis have achieved key benchmarks. If he does not make the second certification, troops must begin immediate redeployment to be completed by March of 2008 (180 days). * Even if he makes both certifications, the Administration must start redeploying the U.S. Military from Iraq by March 1, 2008, and complete the redeployment by August of 2008 (180 days).