WASHINGTON – On the eve of Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki’s address to a joint session of Congress, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI) has written the Iraqi Ambassador to the United States, Samir Sumaidaie, requesting that the Prime Minister publicly reject amnesty for Iraqis who attack U.S. troops.

“Prime Minister Maliki needs to make a clear statement that there will be no amnesty for the insurgents who attack and kill American troops,” Stupak wrote.  “The Prime Minister’s remarks about the possibility of amnesty in late June were profoundly troubling to many members of Congress, myself included.”

“The American people are painfully aware of sacrifices made by our brave service men and women and they will not tolerate amnesty for terrorists and murderers,” Stupak continued.   “The United States Senate has already voted overwhelmingly to condemn the idea of amnesty, and more than 65 members of the House of Representatives have cosponsored a resolution against amnesty.  I hope that Prime Minister Maliki will take the opportunity tomorrow to put the issue to rest once and for all, and to make it clear that there will be no amnesty for the killers of American men and women.”

In June, Stupak publicly decried the amnesty proposal, arguing that such a move would demoralize U.S. troops and only encourage additional attacks on our U.S. troops.

In addition to opposing amnesty, Stupak’s letter this week also asks that the Prime Minister explain how Iraq will take responsibility for securing its own country.  

“I have already written to President Bush asking for an Iraqi Accountability Plan, and I believe that Congress should hear from Mr. Maliki what steps his government is taking to take over day-to-day security operations in Iraq, and to permit the United States to begin bringing its troops home,” Stupak’s letter continues.  “The United States has paid a steep price so that Iraqis may govern themselves freely, and it is now time for the new Iraqi government to take over.  The Prime Minister and President Bush need to begin taking clear, accountable steps to bring American troops home, and I hope to hear the Prime Minister’s plan for achieving that goal.”

Stupak previously called for an Iraq Accountability Plan in December of 2005 following the Iraqi elections, on the third anniversary of the invasion of Iraq in March of this year and last month in a letter to President Bush. 
  
 
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