The US House and Senate have approved spending for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the bills put deadlines on troop withdrawal. President Bush has vowed to veto any measure that sets a timetable to begin troop withdrawal. But Ohio's lawmakers have very different opinions about the legislation.
Both the US House and Senate bills authorize funding for the wars. And both bills set timetables for pulling out troops. It's the deadlines that have caused big problems. The House sets a timeline for all US troops to be out of Iraq by August 31, 2008. While the Senate sets a goal of March 31, 2008.
President Bush said he will veto any legislation that includes a timetable for withdrawal. Senate Major Leader Harry Reid said if Bush vetoes the bill, he will push to cut off funding for the war.
Ohio GOP Congressman Pat Tiberi said putting a deadline on troop withdrawal sends the wrong message to troops. He said it also implies the US can be intimidated to leave Iraq before its necessary. Tiberi said this legislation is delaying the money that troops overseas desperately need.
"One of the authors acknowledges that it's not going to become law, and yet they haven't tried to reach out and work with republicans on what I would say is provide a policy that accomplishes their goal, at the same time of protecting America's security interest," Tiberi said.
Democratic US Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio says setting a deadline to bring home troops is the best thing that can be done to protect America.
"We care about the troops. The most important thing we can do for the troops and for the safety of our country and for the future of our country is to redeploy our troops out of Iraq, not stay the course blindly. Not continue this civil war, being in the middle of a civil war in Iraq," Brown said.
President Bush said "honest differences" in Washington can not be allowed to harm troops in battle. Bush recognizes the nation is tired of war.