Headed for a showdown in the House

Democratic legislation to set timelines for the removal of troops from Iraq is headed for a showdown on the House floor next week, after the Appropriations Committee approved a $124 billion war funding bill yesterday that would end the U.S. role in the conflict by next year.

Let's examine the bill:

1. The bill requires starting a withdrawal from Iraq if benchmarks are not met by July 1st,
but, if the president deems progress is being made, the Iraqi government will have until October 1st to meet the benchmarks. The latest the withdrawal would begin would by by March 2008.

2. The bill also would mandate that troops could be deployed to Iraq only if they are deemed thoroughly trained and equipped. Soldiers would need at least one year's rest between deployments, although the president could get around those requirements by justifying a waiver in writing.

3. $900 million to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, extra money on military and veterans' health care, the war in Afghanistan, aviation, border and port security, Gulf Coast assistance and levee repairs, agricultural assistance, and wildfire fighting.

Gone from the spending bill is the revocation of Bush's wartime powers, and the requirement of Bush having to seek Congressional approval before any action is taken on Iran.

This bill is quite watered-down, and gives the president a lot of wiggle room, but will show America where Republicans stand when they vote against a bill that mandates proper training, rest and equipment for the troops and gives more money to veterans' health care. When the votes are in, we will see exactly who supports the troops.