Pryce Backs Bill to Increase

February 16, 2007

Pryce Backs Bill to Increase
Accountability for Progress in Iraq

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Columbus) praised yesterday’s House introduction of H.R. 1062, legislation holding the Administration and the Iraqi government accountable for progress in the prosecution of the war in Iraq. Pryce, an original cosponsor of the measure, issued the following statement upon the bill’s introduction:

“Central to any military operation is the need for clear and attainable objectives. This legislation establishes a yardstick for measuring our progress in reaching these objectives, and holds both the Administration and the Iraqi government accountable for success in the war’s prosecution.

“This war certainly hasn’t achieved its intended results, and fair-minded Americans can certainly disagree on the manner in which it is being waged. But without a mechanism to measure and communicate our progress in the war, Congress cannot adequately perform its responsibility to monitor the progress being made on all fronts -- political, diplomatic and military. In announcing his decision to send 21,500 additional troops to Iraq, the President determined that the added forces will allow us to stabilize the troubled nation and achieve victory – this legislation will help the Congress and American people assess if this new strategy is working.”

The bill, introduced by Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester), requires the President to submit a status report to Congress every 30 days detailing the success of the recent 21,500 troop increase and the extent to which the Iraqi government is cooperating with the US stability efforts. It also creates a bipartisan panel to study proposals from relevant committees, the executive branch, and private sector entities concerning the development of US policy and strategy in Iraq.

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