home

Why Hillary Clinton Voted "No" on Iraq Funding Bill

Hillary Clinton's campaign has released this statement explaining why she voted against the Iraq funding bill:

"Tonight I voted against the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill because it fails to compel the President to give our troops a new strategy in Iraq. I believe that the President should begin a phased redeployment of our troops out of Iraq and abandon this escalation. I fully support our troops, and wish the President had followed the will of the people and signed the original bill we sent which both funded the troops and set a new course of phased redeployment. But the President vetoed Congress's new strategy and so Congress must reject the President's failed policies. I will also continue to press with Senator Byrd for our legislation to end the authorization of the war in Iraq.

While I am deeply disappointed that the supplemental does not provide for a new course in Iraq, I want to recognize the many worthy parts of this bill: funding to help those sickened in the aftermath of 9/11, additional relief for Katrina and Rita victims, homeland security funds for high-threat cities like New York City, resources to protect parts of New York affected by recent flooding, $650 million for the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and the first federal minimum wage increase in ten years. I support these measures but cannot support this Emergency Supplemental which will not change our course in Iraq."

< U.S. Funds Mexican Wiretapping | Poll: Americans Favor Legal Status for the Undocumented >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    Blowing in the wind (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Aaron on Fri May 25, 2007 at 08:32:38 AM EST
    She voted no for the same reason that Barack Obama voted no, she smelled which way the political wind is blowing, and she wants the Democratic nomination.

    Sadly this is the same reason why the Democrats compromised on this bill, they're afraid of losing the political high ground as a result of the White House and George W. Bush's spin on this issue.


    Actually (none / 0) (#4)
    by Edger on Fri May 25, 2007 at 08:37:49 AM EST
    It looks to me more that they are afraid of gaining to political, and moral, high ground.

    Parent
    It's telling that.... (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by kdog on Fri May 25, 2007 at 10:18:57 AM EST
    Dem leaders keep saying "new strategy", and not "end the occupation".

    They don't wanna leave Iraq, they want to appear to oppose Bush while we occupy that place forever.

    I'm happy Hillary Clinton decided to vote (none / 0) (#1)
    by oculus on Fri May 25, 2007 at 02:06:40 AM EST
    "no," but I would respect her more if she had announced her vote earlier and urged others to join her.  

    you mean (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Jen M on Fri May 25, 2007 at 05:40:43 AM EST
    if she'd shown something like courage and leadership?

    Parent
    Yes. (none / 0) (#6)
    by oculus on Fri May 25, 2007 at 10:43:02 AM EST