I am back again with another letter which I recieved in an e-mail today from my Representative pertaining to the war in Iraq.  It has to do with some of the current petitions that we have been taking part in on this site.  Remember the one about getting our troops out of Iraq?  Well here is that response from Representative Ron Kind of Wisconsin.

Thank you for contacting me about the war in Iraq.  I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.

It has been over four years since President Bush deployed troops to Iraq.  During each of my three visits there, I have consistently heard from our military command that our objective cannot be achieved through military means alone.  The Iraqis must be willing to make crucial political compromises to find a way to coexist peacefully and to work together to move their country forward.  We cannot continue to ask our troops to baby-sit a civil war.

With our help, the Iraqis have established a coalition government, and we have trained more than 250,000 Iraqi Security Forces.  We must now send a message to them that the patience of the American people is not endless, and that the Iraqi people must take control of their own future by making the tough political compromises essential to living in peace.

This is a critical period of transition for the United States and time for a much needed change in direction.  On March 23, 2007, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act of 2007.  Although I have had concerns about setting a date certain for withdrawal, I believed that the responsible timeline within H.R. 1591 would have worked to hold the Iraqi government accountable for much-needed and overdue progress.  This was a timeline on the Iraqis to come together and take control of their country by using the President's own benchmarks for success.  Unfortunately, the President refused to change his failed policies and vetoed H.R. 1591 on May 1, 2007.

Responding to the veto so that funding is not cut off for our troops currently in Iraq, the House of Representatives and Senate subsequently passed H.R. 2206.  This bill provides the full $95.5 billion for defense needs included in the vetoed bill, but conditions the release of all except three months of this funding on additional Congressional oversight and approval.  Although this bill is far from perfect, it is a step in the right direction.  In addition to establishing benchmarks to hold the President and Iraqi government accountable, H.R. 2206 provides the necessary funds to ensure that our soldiers receive the healthcare and equipment they need.

During my three visits to Iraq, I met with our military command, troops in the field, and numerous Iraqi leaders and civilians.  I can honestly say that nothing has made me prouder to be an American than seeing the performance of our troops in the field.  Our men and women in the armed forces should be commended for the terrific job they do for us each and everyday, often in very difficult and dangerous circumstances.  In return, however, they deserve a clearer mission, the training and equipment they need to complete that mission, and the best possible medical care when they return home with physical and emotional wounds.  H.R. 2206 provides for all of these needs.

It has been clear for some time that we need a new diretion in Iraq and a comprehensive strategy on how to positively engage the Muslim world before it is radiculized for future generations.  I remain hopeful, as do all Americans, that the security situation in Iraq improves, and the American service members can return home as soon as possible.  As the situation in Iraq progresses, please know I will keep your thoughts in mind.

Again, thank you for contacting me.  Please do not hesitate to be in touch with additional comments or questions.  I also encourage you to visit my Web site, where you can find updated information, sign up to receive my e-newsletter, and send me e-mail.

Sincerely,

Ron Kind

Member of Congress