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For Immediate Release
November 17, 2005

Setting the Record Straight: The Senate Amendment On The Strategy For Victory In Iraq

Today, Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) Claimed That The Senate Voted To Send A Message "To Change The Course In Iraq." SEN. REID: "This week, Senate Democrats and Republicans right here in this Senate voted overwhelmingly to send the President this message - it's time to change course in Iraq." (Sen. Reid, Floor Speech, 11/17/05)

But Chairman Of The Armed Services Committee Senator John Warner (R-VA), Sponsor Of The Amendment, Has Said: "I Think This Is Supportive Of The Strong Points The President Has Consistently Made. In No Way Is It To Be Construed, In My Judgment, As Critical. This Is A Forward-Looking Amendment." (Sen. Warner, Press Conference, 11/15/05)

The Fact Is That The Senate Amendment Reiterates The President's Strategy In Iraq.

The Senate Amendment Says Iraqi Security Forces Should Take The Lead In Securing Their Country. "Calendar year 2006 should be a period of significant transition to full Iraqi sovereignty, with Iraqi security forces taking the lead for the security of a free and sovereign Iraq, thereby creating conditions for the phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq; United States military forces should not stay in Iraq any longer than required and the people of Iraq should be so advised." (S.Amdt. 2518 To S. 1042, CQ Vote #323: Adopted 79-19: R 41-13; D 37-6; I 1-0, 11/15/05)

The Senate Amendment Says Iraqis Should Achieve A "Broad-Based And Sustainable Political Settlement." "The Administration should tell the leaders of all groups and political parties in Iraq that they need to make the compromises necessary to achieve the broad-based and sustainable political settlement that is essential for defeating the insurgency in Iraq, within the schedule they set for themselves." (S.Amdt. 2518 To S. 1042, CQ Vote #323: Adopted 79-19: R 41-13; D 37-6; I 1-0, 11/15/05)

The Senate Amendment Requires Reports On The Strategy For Victory. "Reports to Congress on United States Policy and Military Operations in Iraq. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every three months thereafter until all United States combat brigades have redeployed from Iraq, the President shall submit to Congress an unclassified report on United States policy and military operations in Iraq." (S.Amdt. 2518 To S. 1042, CQ Vote #323: Adopted 79-19: R 41-13; D 37-6; I 1-0, 11/15/05)

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