Blumenauer Votes to End Iraq War, Provide Education for Veterans

Washington, DC – Today Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) voted on a series of amendments to the “Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008.” He voted against the $162.6 billion war funding amendment, which did not pass the House. He voted in favor of two other amendments that would mandate the beginning of U.S. troop withdrawal in 30 days and expand funding for veterans’ education benefits, both of which passed the House.

“I have opposed this war from the beginning and have held firm to my pledge not to fund the war, unless for withdrawal,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “Today’s vote set hard deadlines for starting the withdrawal. It also provides veterans with education benefits that they’ve more than earned for their sacrifices to our nation. Oregon’s 41st Combat Brigade Team has served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, and is scheduled to deploy again next year. The least the federal government can do is provide them with access to a good education. Though this bill faces a veto from the president, it sends a clear message that this new Congress will not write blank checks to fund the president’s mismanaged war.”

Congressman Blumenauer has opposed the Iraq war from the start. In January, 2007 he introduced his own legislation, “The New Direction for Iraq Act of 2007,” which would require the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, initiate a new diplomatic offensive to stabilize Iraq and increase aggressive efforts at oversight and accountability. In September of 2007, he pledged to vote “No” on any more requests for funding for Iraq, except that which is necessary to withdraw U.S. troops. Congressman Blumenauer has also signed the Oregon Declaration of Peace, affirming his long-standing commitment to ending the war.