The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on legislation that would set an arbitrary timeline to withdraw troops and cut off critical funding for our armed forces fighting the war on terror in Iraq. A similar provision was defeated in the Senate on March 15, 2007, thanks to the strong efforts from a group of bipartisan Senators who opposed broadcasting our intentions to cut-and-run in Iraq to the terrorists. Arkansas Senator Mark Pryor was one of two Democrats who voted against this provision.· According to the Washington Post: “The one Senate Democrat still uncommitted on the spending bill is Pryor, who has objected to setting public timetables for withdrawing troops. Although the March 31, 2008, date is described in the legislation as a goal, an aide said Pryor will spend the weekend weighing his vote.” (“Senate Democrats Float War Bill Similar to That in House,” Washington Post, 03/22/07)
· Before the March 15, 2007 vote, Pryor stated: “President Bush should lay out for the American people measurable goals for success in Iraq; however, it is a grave mistake to publicly announce timetables and consequently hand over our game plan to Iraqi insurgents…” (Daniel Connolly, "Lincoln, Pryor Split On Iraq Troop Withdrawal Amendment," AP, 06/22/06)
· Pryor also said: “I have talked to countless troops who have pleaded with me not to give the enemy any indication of troop movements, especially those showing we are reducing forces. They know it endangers them and their comrades. I cannot and will not put them at risk." (Daniel Connolly, "Lincoln, Pryor Split On Iraq Troop Withdrawal Amendment," AP, 06/22/06)
· After the March 15, 2007 Senate vote, Pryor stated it was a: “Very, very tough decision there. But my position on that is I'm opposed to a public timetable… I'm opposed to the surge, but I think it should be a classified timetable, and we do that on our own terms.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 03/16/07)
· Pryor also said: “It's just like in World War II. The Germans knew we were coming at D-Day. They didn't know when and where. I don't want to telegraph what we're doing to the other side.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 03/16/07)
How will Senator Pryor vote this time? Call his office and ask the Senator if he will stand by his statements opposing a timeline in Iraq, or if he will flip-flop on this critical issue to placate the liberal Senate leadership [Little Rock: (501) 324-6336; Washington, D.C.: (202) 224-2353].
Tags: Iraq War, Mark Pryor, military troops, Senator, support troops, US Congress
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