SJR9MAR16

The resolution preamble begins with the statement that Congress and the American People will continue to support and protect the members of the US Armed Forces who are now serving or have served bravely and honorably in Iraq but goes further to note that the original reasons for authorizing military force against Iraq have changed thereby calling for a change in policy.

The preamble asserts that US troops should not be policing a civil war and that the current situation in Iraq calls for a political solution more than otherwise. As such the US policy must change to emphasize that political solution by Iraqi leaders to maximize success and more effectively fight the war on terror.

The resolution directs the president to promptly begin a transition of the US mission by commencing a phased redeployment beginning not later than 120 days after this resolution is enacted with the goal of redeploying all US combat troops from Iraq by March 31, 2008. A limited number of troops essential for protecting the US and coalition personnel and infrastructure, training and equipping Iraqi forces and for conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations in Iraq and the region would remain in the country. No departure date is mentioned regarding those troops.

The redeployment is to be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes political and economic strategies and sustained engagement with Iraq’s neighbors and the international community working collectively to stabilize Iraq.

60 days after enactment and each 90 days thereafter the president is directed to submit to Congress a report on the policy / mission transition progress and the implementation of the phased redeployment.

Sponsor: Senator Harry Reid (D-NV)

Vote: The Resolution failed in the Senate 48 to 50 March 15, 2007.(RV 75)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.

Earmark Certification: Not applicable to this resolution.

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JOINT RESOLUTION

To revise United States policy on Iraq.

Whereas Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or have served bravely and honorably in Iraq;

Whereas the circumstances referred to in the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243) have changed substantially;

Whereas United States troops should not be policing a civil war, and the current conflict in Iraq requires principally a political solution; and

Whereas United States policy on Iraq must change to emphasize the need for a political solution by Iraqi leaders in order to maximize the chances of success and to more effectively fight the war on terror: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This joint resolution may be cited as the `United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007'.

SEC. 2. PROMPT COMMENCEMENT OF PHASED REDEPLOYMENT OF UNITED STATES FORCES FROM IRAQ.

(a) Transition of Mission- The President shall promptly transition the mission of United States forces in Iraq to the limited purposes set forth in subsection (b).

(b) Commencement of Phased Redeployment From Iraq- The President shall commence the phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this joint resolution, with the goal of redeploying, by March 31, 2008, all United States combat forces from Iraq except for a limited number that are essential for the following purposes:

(1) Protecting United States and coalition personnel and infrastructure.

(2) Training and equipping Iraqi forces.

(3) Conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations.

(c) Comprehensive Strategy- Subsection (b) shall be implemented as part of a comprehensive diplomatic, political, and economic strategy that includes sustained engagement with Iraq's neighbors and the international community for the purpose of working collectively to bring stability to Iraq.

(d) Reports Required- Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the progress made in transitioning the mission of the United States forces in Iraq and implementing the phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq as required under this section.

Calendar No. 72

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