Rep. Markey: Bring Troops Home

US Representative Edward Markey (D-Malden) is supporting a bill that would bring home America’s troops in as soon as one month.

The “Orderly and Responsible Iraq Deployment Appropriations Act,” HR 4156, calls for the complete redeployment of US troops from Iraq by December 2008, starting one month after the bill is enacted; changing the troops’ mission from combat to force protection and diplomatic protection, counter-terrorism, and supporting Iraqi forces; and prohibiting deployment of troops that are not fully trained and equipped.

“We must bring this disastrous war in Iraq to an end. The president is either unwilling or unable to realize how destructive his policies have become. When he vetoes a 2% increase in funding for education and health care programs while at the same time requesting another $200 billion more for his failed war in Iraq , the president’s flawed priorities are plain for all to see. His $200 billion war spending request would bring the total cost for fighting in Iraq to nearly half a trillion dollars – so far – with no end in sight,” said Rep. Markey.

The bill also appropriates $50 billion to the war effort, compared to the $200 billion the President has requested.

The bill also continues language Rep. Markey authored to prohibit any funds from being used for “extraordinary rendition,” the practice of sending detainees to another country for interrogation and torture.

The House narrowly passed the bill last night, 218-203, and it is headed to the Senate for consideration.