Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) inserted the following statement into the Congressional Record today regarding the conference report on the US Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act. This emergency $124 billion supplemental bill includes a responsible timeline for the redeployment of U.S. combat troops from Iraq with redeployment beginning in October 2007, at the latest, with a goal of being completed by March 2008.

“Today I voted for legislation that would establish benchmarks and a timeline for winding down the war in Iraq. There is no doubt that we need a new direction in Iraq and this bill provides it. This bill fully funds our soldiers, provides more resources to the wounded, and ensures that those fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan will receive every piece of equipment, armor, and medicine they need. Unfortunately, the President has said he intends to veto this bill. He continues to insist on a blank check with no accountability. This is not what the American people voted for, nor is it what is needed to stop the violence and civil war that has gripped Iraq. It is my hope that President Bush will listen to the Congress and the American people, sign this bill into law, and begin the process of changing course in Iraq.”

# # #