WASHINGTON, DC-In response to the Bush Administration continuing to tie the hands of the next administration and circumvent the Congress and the American people when it comes to potential long-term U.S. security assurances to Iraq, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today released the following statement:
“I am alarmed by comments from the Iraqi Foreign Minister that imply U.S. and Iraqi negotiators are engaging in word games to avoid the submission of a U.S.-Iraq security agreement for Congressional approval. Pledging the blood and treasure of the American people to defend another nation is one of the most solemn commitments our government can make – and thus requires the consent of the American people through their elected representatives in the Congress.
“Altering the language so as to disguise the true nature of a permanent American commitment to Iraq is irresponsible in the extreme. It is for precisely this reason I have called on the Administration to engage in more frequent and more frank consultations with the Congress as these negotiations move forward.”
Senator Casey has been a leader in marshalling opposition to any permanent U.S. security assurances to the Iraqi government without the explicit consent of the Congress. In December, shortly after an initial Declaration of Principles was agreed upon between President Bush and Prime Minister Maliki, Senator Casey spearheaded a letter to the President expressing his deep concerns and was joined by five other Senators. This spring, in conjunction with Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), Senator Casey sent a letter to Senate appropriators asking for the inclusion of language in the FY 2008 supplemental funding bill prohibiting the implementation of any security assurances unless Congress expressed approval.
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“I am alarmed by comments from the Iraqi Foreign Minister that imply U.S. and Iraqi negotiators are engaging in word games to avoid the submission of a U.S.-Iraq security agreement for Congressional approval. Pledging the blood and treasure of the American people to defend another nation is one of the most solemn commitments our government can make – and thus requires the consent of the American people through their elected representatives in the Congress.
“Altering the language so as to disguise the true nature of a permanent American commitment to Iraq is irresponsible in the extreme. It is for precisely this reason I have called on the Administration to engage in more frequent and more frank consultations with the Congress as these negotiations move forward.”
Senator Casey has been a leader in marshalling opposition to any permanent U.S. security assurances to the Iraqi government without the explicit consent of the Congress. In December, shortly after an initial Declaration of Principles was agreed upon between President Bush and Prime Minister Maliki, Senator Casey spearheaded a letter to the President expressing his deep concerns and was joined by five other Senators. This spring, in conjunction with Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), Senator Casey sent a letter to Senate appropriators asking for the inclusion of language in the FY 2008 supplemental funding bill prohibiting the implementation of any security assurances unless Congress expressed approval.
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