Congressman Sander Levin

Ending the War in Iraq

It's Time to Change a Policy that Isn't Working

On October 10, 2002, the House of Representatives voted 296 to 133 to give President Bush the authority to use military force in Iraq.  I voted against giving the President that authority.  More than five years later, I remain convinced that there needs to be a change in a policy that is not working, including the prompt redeployment of U.S. combat forces from Iraq. 

It is evident that the Iraqi leadership will continue to put off making the difficult political decisions required to end the sectarian violence as long as the U.S. military commitment in Iraq remains open-ended.

Since the new Congress convened in January, there have been a number of votes in the House and Senate to attempt to force the Bush Administration to change direction in Iraq.  In vote after vote, it is clear that a majority of Congress favors setting a timetable to begin the redeployment of U.S. combat troops out of Iraq; unfortunately, the President and his allies in the House and Senate have been able to block the will of the majority through the use of Senate filibusters and the President's veto pen.

I will continue to work to build consensus around a responsible end to the war in Iraq.  Further, in stark contrast to the rubber-stamp Congresses of recent years, the new congressional leadership is committed to conduct strong oversight, hold the Bush Administration accountable, and work for the responsible redeployment of our troops.  Since January 4, 2007, Congressional Democrats have held more than 200 oversight hearings on issues related to the Iraq war - addressing intelligence failures leading up to the war, the inadequate treatment of wounded and sick veterans, the use of private security contractors in Iraq, troop readiness at home and abroad, and reconstruction waste, fraud and abuse.

• Lawmakers Focus on Misconduct of Private Security Contractors in Iraq
• House Votes to Ban Permanent U.S. Bases in Iraq