Sen Feingold Resolution S 171
On Timeframe for Withdrawal from Iraq / 06-14-05

Expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should submit to Congress a report on the time frame for the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq. (Introduced in Senate)

109th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 171

Expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should submit to Congress a report on the time frame for the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 14, 2005

Mr. FEINGOLD submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

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RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should submit to Congress a report on the time frame for the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq.

Whereas United States forces in Iraq have served with courage and distinction and they and their families deserve to know what exactly their mission is and approximately how long they may expect to remain in Iraq;

Whereas establishing time frames for the transfer of sovereignty and for elections in Iraq has resulted in real political and strategic advantages for the United States and has advanced the development of democracy in Iraq;

Whereas establishing a clear time frame for the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq would help to refute conspiracy theories and eliminate suspicions that obstruct the United States policy goals in Iraq and undermine the legitimacy of the Government of Iraq;

Whereas President George W. Bush stated on April 13, 2004 that `as a proud and independent people, Iraqis do not support an indefinite occupation and neither does America' and that United States troops will remain in Iraq `as long as necessary and not one day more';

Whereas a sound strategic plan for United States military operations in Iraq would include information regarding the numbers of Iraqi troops that must be effectively trained and the amount of time that will be required to train them;

Whereas the President has declined to set out specific goals for the United States military operations in Iraq or a clear time frame for achieving such goals;

Whereas a clear plan and time frame for United States military operations in Iraq would facilitate more responsible budgeting for the costs of United States operations in Iraq; and

Whereas confusion about the United States mission in Iraq does not serve the United States vital interests in establishing stability in Iraq or fighting the terrorist networks that continue to threaten the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) the Senate--

(A) supports the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States in Iraq and deeply appreciates their admirable service; and

(B) recognizes that stability, democracy, and respect for the rule of law in Iraq are in the United States national interest; and

(2) it is the sense of the Senate that--

(A) the United States should remain committed to providing long-term diplomatic and political support to the people of Iraq to achieve stability and democracy;

(B) the United States should work diligently to accelerate the sound and effective training of Iraqi security forces and to increase international cooperation in this endeavor so that the people of Iraq may assume responsibility for their own security;

(C) the United States should continue to pursue a robust and multi-faceted campaign to dismantle and defeat international terrorist networks in Iraq and around the world; and

(D) not later than 30 days after the date that the Senate agrees to this resolution, the President should submit to Congress a report that describes--

(i) the remaining mission of the Armed Forces of the United States in Iraq;

(ii) current estimates of the time frame required for the United States to achieve that mission, including information regarding variables that could alter that time frame; and

(iii) a time frame for the subsequent withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq.