Of course the logical pessimist in me says that this bill will probably be vetoed by the President. Nevertheless it is good to see the Democrats in charge carry something out that the majority of people agree with, doing away with permanent bases in Iraq.
From The Gavel:
Today, the House passed H.R. 2929, Banning Permanent U.S. Bases in Iraq. This bill states that it is the policy of the United States not to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing a permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq. It also states that it is the policy of the United States not to exercise U.S. control of the oil resources of Iraq. The measure bars the use of any funds provided by any law from being used to carry out any policy that contradicts these statements of policy.
While the Bush Administration has indicated it would not seek permanent bases in Iraq, Administration officials have recently remarked that the President envisioned a continued military presence in Iraq similar to our presence in Korea, where U.S. forces have been stationed for more than 50 years. Speaker Pelosi explained that “today’s vote can again make clear to the President, to the Administration, to the American people, to the people in the Middle East, to the people in Iraq — that the American people are opposed to a permanent military presence in Iraq.”
Those structures do nothing but keep us there longer and further expose this mission as an occupation that can last indefinitely. We are still lingering in Korea and throughout the globe for decades with our military stretched way too thinly. If the President was smart, he would sign this immediately. Oh wait, what am I saying? Nevermind.
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