We Need Plans, Not Posturing

As elected public officials, Members of Congress have an obligation to debate war strategy, exercise Congressional oversight, and attend to the interests of their constituents. If by conscience they disagree with the President’s direction, they have a responsibility to put forth an alternative plan. To that end, Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) has introduced legislation eliminating funding for the war. While I fundamentally disagree with Senator Feingold’s conclusions about Iraq and the way forward, at least he is honest about his true position.

In the House of Representatives, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has stated that we owe our troops “better policy…better initiatives.” Yet, her party has produced no constructive plan. Instead, House Democrats are preparing to bring to the floor a nonbinding resolution opposing an increase in troops while vowing to uphold funding. This type of political posturing brings nothing to the debate regarding the protection of American families.