New Iraq Proposal Would Allow Dems To Keep Standing Up To Bush

[babylonsister]

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/may/04/new_iraq_proposal_would_allow_dems_to_keep_standing_up_to_bush

New Iraq Proposal Would Allow Dems To Keep Standing Up To Bush
By Greg Sargent | bio

Check this out -- there's been a new behind-the-scenes development in the war-funding fight that could prove significant. The Associated Press and CQ are reporting that Dem Rep. David Obey is privately floating a new idea for a war-spending strategy that would allow Dems to keep standing up to the White House on Iraq:

In a flash of defiance, House Democratic leaders on Thursday weighed a proposal that would guarantee the war money only through July. After that, Congress could block additional money from being spent if the Iraqi government does not meet certain political and security goals.

The proposal, not yet endorsed and outlined for only a few members, would be a direct challenge to the president and could prompt another presidential veto.

Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., suggested the short-term funding bill in a closed door leadership meet Thursday...The plan was described by Democratic aides who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the plan.

Got that? A short-term spending bill that would fund the war through July, but would insist that certain benchmarks be met in order for funding to continue past then.

There are a few obvious pluses to this approach. It would allow Dems to fund the troops while still standing up to the White House by maintaining the possibility of ending the war. As a general strategy, this could conceivably be supported by House liberals (though they might vote against the actual bill) and Blue Dogs alike. It would also allow Dems to avoid the pitfall of a long-term funding bill that concedes to the White House on the timetable question -- meaning Dems wouldn't have backed down on the core issue at the center of the fight.

There are a number of outstanding questions, however. Could Speaker Pelosi ultimately support it? She's reported to be considering the idea. Could the Senate leadership get behind it? While Reid continues to insist that all options are on the table, the thinking is that it is unlikely to find enough support in the Senate.

I've checked in with the offices of Pelosi, Reid and Rahm Emanuel about this. While it's highly unlikely that they'll say something about this yet, I'll keep you posted if they do. At any rate, it's an interesting twist in the war debate.

[The Count]

1. But they HAVE money through July! Anyway, short term is good.

[whistle]

2. That is moving in the right direction given that Bush is being the Obstructer