[Congressional Bills 110th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Con. Res. 65 Introduced in House (IH)] 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 65 Disagreeing with the plan announced by the President on January 10, 2007, to increase by more than 20,000 the number of United States combat troops in Iraq, and urging the President instead to consider options and alternatives for achieving success in Iraq. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 14, 2007 Mr. Rogers of Michigan submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned _______________________________________________________________________ CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Disagreeing with the plan announced by the President on January 10, 2007, to increase by more than 20,000 the number of United States combat troops in Iraq, and urging the President instead to consider options and alternatives for achieving success in Iraq. Whereas the current strategy in Iraq is not working to achieve the national security objectives of the United States; Whereas the responsibility for Iraq's internal security and quelling sectarian violence must rest primarily with the freely elected Government of Iraq and Iraqi Security Forces; Whereas the United States military should provide command and control, logistical, intelligence, combat air support, and special operations support as needed to assist Iraqi efforts to quell sectarian violence in Baghdad; Whereas United States military forces need reinforcements in Al Anbar Province to fight insurgents and al Qaida terrorists; Whereas funds should never be cut off from members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving in combat; Whereas the Provincial Reconstruction Team concept in Iraq has not been and likely will not be effective; Whereas the numerous civilian offices in the Department of Defense and Department of State do not work well together and have not been effective in maximizing reconstruction efforts in Iraq; and Whereas a failed state in Iraq would present a serious threat to United States national security interests, could allow al Qaida to establish a safe haven in Iraq, and could create regional or global unrest: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That-- (1) Congress disagrees with the plan announced by the President on January 10, 2007, to increase by more than 20,000 the number of United States combat troops in Iraq, and urges the President instead to consider the options and alternatives for achieving success in Iraq as set forth in paragraphs (2) through (8); (2) Congress believes the military rules of engagement must allow maximum opportunity for United States and coalition forces to pursue the enemy in Iraq; (3) Congress believes that United States Armed Forces fighting insurgents and al Qaida terrorists in Al Anbar Province need to be reinforced, as determined by military commanders; (4) Congress believes that the reconstruction effort in Iraq must be revamped to focus on small, timely projects with a small security footprint; (5) Congress believes that one person in Iraq must have absolute authority and responsibility for reconstruction funding; (6) Congress believes that the United States and its Middle Eastern allies should develop an Iraqi repatriation program to encourage and empower the one to two million Iraqis who have fled to neighboring countries to return and invest themselves in Iraq's future; (7) Congress believes that terrorism has been fueled by staggering unemployment rates in Iraq--the United States Government with its allies should develop an intensive economic development plan for Baghdad and Al Anbar Province; and (8) Congress believes that the United States Government should develop a specific program to open and revitalize the several hundred shuttered state-owned enterprises in Iraq, with primary focus on Baghdad and Al Anbar Province. <all>