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As the violence stemming from the civil war in Iraq continues to escalate, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., pressed forward with legislative efforts to spur greater responsibility in the Iraqi government.
"Our troops have done everything we have asked of them. But they should not be asked to stand in the middle of a home-grown Iraqi civil war. We must move forward with a plan for the Iraqis to take greater control of their own future and greater responsibility for the security of their own nation. At the same time, we must begin to draw down the U.S. military presence in Iraq," Byrd said.
Byrd, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has been working with the bipartisan Congressional Leadership to craft an approach that will provide critical funding for the U.S. military while creating a framework for the Iraqi government to expand its efforts to stabilize that country and restore its economy. While President Bush vetoed Congress’ first proposal earlier this month, the White House has been engaged in the effort to find common ground on new legislation.
"We must not craft legislation that is blind to the reality on the ground in Iraq. We must move forward together with a plan that provides equipment and training to keep our troops safe while also spurring the Iraqi people to make a stand for the future of their own nation," Byrd said. "The United States cannot export democracy at the point of an American gun. Peace and security must come from the Iraqi people themselves."
On Wednesday, the Senate cleared the way for progress on the new Iraq stability plan. In a series of procedural votes, a bipartisan majority of the Senate established the foundation for that new legislation. Byrd, who will chair the committee that writes the final version of the legislation, hopes to send that proposal to the President for his signature before the end of the month.
"We must step away from the partisan bickering and focus instead on what is important for the future of our country and the rest of the world. To be successful, we must end the finger-pointing and instead roll up our sleeves and work together. I believe that we can -- and we will," Byrd said.
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