Lawmakers call for unity on Iraq

In a Sept. 4 letter to House leaders, a bipartisan group of 11 lawmakers called for unity in anticipation of a White House Iraq progress report that threatens to the divide the chamber along party lines.
   
{mosads}The letter, signed by lawmakers across the ideological spectrum, called for party leaders to set aside partisan differences and work toward a “post surge strategy” that could help bring political stability to Iraq.
   
“It is absolutely crucial that we stabilize Iraq and transition the combat mission to the Iraqis,” the letter read. “Any future legislative proposals considered in the House must reflect a bipartisan approach to this conflict … We ask that you join us in committing to a truly bipartisan dialogue on this issue immediately.”
   
The letter, addressed to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), was signed by Reps. Mike Castle (R-Del.), John Tanner (D-Tenn.), Phil English (R-Pa.), Scott Garrett (R-N.J.), Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.), Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.), Allen Boyd (D-Fla.), Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), Robert Brady (D-Pa.), Tom Petri (R-Wis.) and Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.).
   
In February, Castle and English voted against the president’s “surge” plan to send over 20,000 additional troops to Iraq.
   
The lawmakers expressed hope that the much-anticipated Iraq report — due next week by the White House and prepared by Gen. David Petraeus — yields good news for the region. But they also noted “we should not wait any longer to come together in support of a responsible post-surge strategy to safely bring our troops home to their families.”