Smith Statement on War Funding Vote
May 15, 2008
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement regarding his votes today on the Iraq and Afghanistan war supplemental funding bill.
“The bill we voted on in the House today included a timeline, a plan and funds for a responsible redeployment of our troops from Iraq. I voted for the overall package because I remain supportive of a responsible redeployment policy that supports our troops. Unfortunately, we were not able to get the votes for the full redeployment package, in large part due to more than 100 House Republicans who refused to vote in favor of funds for troops in harm’s way.
“I strongly support a change in our nation’s Iraq policy. I have never supported an abrupt cutoff of funds that would lead to a precipitous, irresponsible withdrawal, and I have voted against previous war funding bills that lacked real policy changes in Iraq. I was encouraged that this legislation contained all the elements needed to properly draw down our commitment in Iraq, and I hope the next administration promptly begins a responsible redeployment to better serve our national security interests.”