House to vote on Iraq the week of February 12

The House of Representatives is expected to cast its first votes this year on Iraq the week of February 12.

Debate is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday that week, with the final vote expected on Thursday.

While the final wording of the resolution is not public as yet, our sources tell us it will denounce President Bush’s plan to send more troops to Iraq.

An overwhelming bi-partisan vote for the Skelton-Lantos resolution will be an important step in the process of extricating the U.S. from Iraq. Passage of the resolution would provide political momentum for later, tougher bills with binding language that brings an end to the war.

Please tell your Representatives to support the Skelton-Lantos resolution opposing sending more troops to Iraq. You can call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard toll-free at 866-340-9281 and they will connect you to your state’s Representatives.

The Senate, as you undoubtedly saw, became mired in a debate over whether to debate. Senate Republicans blocked a vote on the Warner resolution criticizing the escalation of the war. The vote was 49 – 47 to begin debate, with 60 votes needed to overcome the Republican filibuster. Only two Republicans – Collins of Maine and Coleman of Minnesota – joined Democrats to begin debate.

It is now up to the House of Representatives to take the lead in ending the war.