Download Presidential Requirements

War in Iraq
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations––Michael Cooperberg & Paul
Fitzgerald, Chairs
Operation Iraqi Freedom has been an ongoing military operation in Iraq since
March 20, 2003. The justification for the war was the possession of Weapons of Mass
Destruction by Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq at the time of the invasion. President
Bush said that the weapons posed an imminent threat to the United States, and we must
act preemptively to curb this threat. The war in Iraq has caused close to 4,000 deaths for
members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and 20 times that for Iraqi civilians. The large loss
of life has not even brought a victory. In fact, no end is in sight.
Despite the high amount of casualties, President Bush proposed a troop surge at
the beginning of 2007, stating that he wished to send another 21,500 troops to Iraq.
However, public opinion against the war, combined with the opinion of General David
Patreaus, has caused President Bush to state that 7,500 troops would return to the U.S. by
Christmas, and that the level of U.S. troops in Iraq would return to their pre-surge levels.
In addition to the large loss of life due to Operation Iraqi Freedom, the cost of the
war continues to increase. Currently, $458 billion have been spent on the war, and the
number increases every day. Even with the high cost, many troops feel that war is under
funded. Many lack the necessary body armor to protect themselves. Additionally, the
length of a tour of duty was increased, which in turn caused greater disrespect of Iraqi by
the U.S. troops, according to a Department of Defense study.
In addition, there is a humanitarian crisis in Iraq. Many Iraqis report that their
economic situation, access to electricity, and access to clean water have all decreased
since the war began. The Red Cross reported that many doctors have fled the country,
leading to a worsening health situation for Iraqis. Additionally, there are currently over
3.9 million refugees from Iraq. 2 million have fled the country, while the remaining 1.9
million have been forced to move to a separate part of Iraq.
War in Iraq Bill
Whereas the number of American troops that have died in Iraq is closing in on 4,000;
Whereas many Iraqis have reported that their economic and health situation has worsened
since the United States invaded Iraq;
Whereas the cost of Operation Iraqi Freedom has placed a large toll on the taxpayers of
the United States;
Whereas the money spent in Iraq could be better spent furthering the education system of
America or other domestic programs;
Resolved by the Congress of the United States of America:
1.
All American troops in Iraq will be removed in the next 18 months.
2.
Money originally intended for Operation Iraqi Freedom will instead be spent on
domestic programs.
3.
This bill will take effect 90 days after passage.