Iraq

We must move forward with a plan to begin the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and the creation of an international force to ensure Iraq's security.

Committee on Armed Services Democrats

• 2007-07-12: Statement by Congressman Pete Stark In Support of Ending the War in Iraq
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of ending the War in Iraq. Last November, the American people demanded a new direction for Iraq. Today, the new Democratic Congress is taking a concrete step toward bringing our troops home.

• 2007-05-24: Statement by Congressman Pete Stark Opposing Additional Funding for the War in Iraq
  The supplemental before us includes no deadlines for troop withdrawal and no enforceable benchmarks for holding President Bush accountable. In other words, there is no way I or the overwhelming majority of my constituents would ever support it.

• 2007-04-25: Statement by Congressman Pete Stark On Funding the War in Iraq
  My ‘present’ vote is an expression of strong opposition to the war’s continuation for even one more day and strong support for the Democratic Congress’ attempt to get an arrogant and stubborn President to change course in Iraq.

• 2007-03-23: Stark's statement on the Iraq Supplemental Funding Bill
  Madam Speaker, today’s vote is very difficult for me.I support the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

• 2007-02-15: Statement by Congressman Pete Stark In Support of Our Troops and Our Security
  I rise today in strong opposition to the President’s proposal to send more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq. Today’s non-binding resolution is an important first step. After its passage, I will encourage my colleagues in Congress to take further steps to end the War in Iraq.

• 2007-01-12: Statement of Rep. Pete Stark In Opposition to Escalation of the War in Iraq
  This administration has made mistake after mistake in an unnecessary war of its choosing.  Now the President insists on sacrificing more lives, more money, and more goodwill on an increasingly lost cause.

• 2006-06-13: Statement of Representative Pete Stark In Opposition to Additional Funding for a Misguided War in Iraq
  When is enough, enough? I rise in opposition to H.R. 4939 because there is no limit to the amount of money Republicans are willing to spend on this counterproductive War in Iraq.

• 2006-06-09: Statement of Congressman Pete Stark in Opposition to Military Aid
  The United States should plant seeds of peace, not seeds of war. Tragically, however, this legislation appropriates nearly $5 billion – or about 25% of total spending – for direct military assistance. This spending subsidizes armed conflict, encouraging violence rather than diplomacy around the world.

• 2006-05-15: Statement Opposing Boondoggle Defense Authorization Bill
  I rise in opposition to this Defense Authorization Bill, H.R. 5122. Only a few months after ruthlessly slashing $40 billion in health care, education and job training benefits for working Americans, the Republicans have shamelessly brought forth a Defense Authorization bill that wastefully spends taxpayer dollars and does nothing to make this country any safer

• 5/1/06: Stark Calls for and End to the Iraq War
  U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), a member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, issued the following statement on the third anniversary of President Bush’s aircraft carrier landing and “Mission Accomplished” address.
  
  
• 03/20/06 -- "It's time to close book on Iraq debacle" Editorial by Stark: The Argus & The San Mateo County Times
  It's no secret that the healthcare system is sick. To maximize profits and shareholder confidence, insurance companies, healthcare providers and drug companies have manipulated the system beyond comprehension...
  
  
• 9/15/05: Stark Participates in Hearing to Remove Troops From Iraq
  WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) participated in a hearing on Capitol Hill exploring ways to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq...read more
  
  
• 8/15/05 — Letter to House Armed Services Committee Chariman Hunter (pdf):
  Letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Hunter requesting hearings to discuss an end to the war in Iraq and how to start bringing the troops home.
  
  
• 6/28/05: Stark Reacts to Bush's Speech on Iraq
  Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont) commented on President Bush’s speech on Iraq...read more
  
  
• 5/26/05: Stark Calls for GAO Investigation Into Improper, Illegal Military Recruiting
  Yesterday, US Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) offered an amendment to the 2006 Defense Authorization bill requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress several aspects of illegal and improper military recruiting tactics...read more
  
  
• 5/20/05: Stark: Special Counsel Needed to Investigate Illegal Military Recruitment
  Today, US Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont), along with several colleagues in the US House, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales calling on him to appoint a special counsel to investigate improper activities by military recruiters...read more
  
  
• 5/17/05 -- Stark Statement on the Administration's Latest Hypocrisy
  Mr. Speaker, the pot is calling the kettle black. The Administration is chastising Newsweek magazine for a story containing a fact that turned out to be false. This is the same Administration that lied to the Congress, the United Nations and the American people by fabricating reasons to send us to war. The same Administration responsible for the death of over 1,500 American servicemen and women and countless Iraqi civilians; the same Administration which shields its highest officials from responsibility for prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay.
  
  
• 5/5/05 -- Statement on H.R. 1268, the Emergency Wartime Appropriations Conference Report
  I rise in opposition to this supplemental appropriations bill for Iraq and Afghanistan. At $82 billion, this is the second largest supplemental appropriations request passed by Congress.  This is on top of an already bloated $400 billion defense budget.  Instead of borrowing more from our children, Congress ought to instead stop wasteful spending on ineffective, redundant and unnecessary weapons programs.
  
  
• 3/15/05 -- Press Release -- Iraq:
  Rep. Stark Urges House Colleagues to Vote No on Iraq Supplemental Appropriations Bill
  
  
• 1/12/05 -- Press Release -- Iraq:
  Reps. Stark and Lee Call on President Bush to Begin Bringing Our Troops Home from Iraq
  
  
• 1/12/05 -- Letter to President Bush -- Iraq:
  Text of Stark-Lee Letter (.pdf)