House Passes Non-Binding Resolution Opposing Troop “Surge” in Iraq

With the debate on the Hill over the Iraq troop "surge" kicking into high gear, the Congresspedia page documenting the congressional actions on the surge has been getting a lot of additions.

After a week of debate in which every member of the House was given an opportunity to speak for five minutes regarding President Bush’s proposed troop “surge” in Iraq, the chamber passed a non-binding resolution Friday afternoon declaring, “Congress disapproves of the decision...to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.” The resolution passed 246-182, with all but two Democrats supporting it along with seventeen Republicans. The measure marks the first time Congress has voted to repudiate the Bush administration with regards to the Iraq War since the conflict began in March 2003.

The resolution, which also states that Congress “will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq,” was passionately opposed by many Republicans on the floor. Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.) argued that the “surge” was necessary, for the U.S. must defeat "radical Muslims who would love to see 'In God We Trust' stricken from our money and replaced with 'In Muhammad We Trust.'" (video) Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) falsely quoted former President Abraham Lincoln as stating, “Congressmen who willfully take action during wartime that damage morale and undermine the military are saboteurs, and should be arrested, exiled or hanged.” (video) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) countered Young’s sentiments by quoting former Sen. Robert Taft (R-Ohio), who just days after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor stated, “Criticism in a time of war is essential to the maintenance of a democratic government.” Following the vote, Pelosi praised the resolution, stating it would "signal a change in direction in Iraq that will end the fighting and bring our troops home."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has announced that the Senate will hold a cloture vote on the House resolution on Saturday. Senate Republicans previously filibustered a similar bill introduced by Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Carl Levin (D-Mich.) on Feb. 5. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has indicated that Republicans will do the same Saturday if Democrats do not allow them to offer a resolution that does not criticize Bush's “surge” plan and states its opposition to any congressional attempts to cut funding for troops in Iraq. Reid has so far rejected the demand, calling it an attempt to “muzzle” the view of the chamber.

For ongoing updates and the opportunity to add details yourself, visit the Congresspedia troop "surge" in Iraq article.