Posted by
arandomguy on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 5:58:15 PM
The GOP have started their opposition to the Democrat-backed troop withdrawal bill in both the House and the Senate. This was followed by a veto threat - rightly - by President Bush, who made it clear that he would not allow Congress to infringe on his prerogative as commander-in-chief. According to a white house statement made earlier today, the legislation "would hobble American commanders in the field and substantially endanger America's strategic objective of a unified federal democratic Iraq."
The bill calls for troop withdrawal starting in the next 12 months. The GOP has decided to let the matter come to debate - something that they had previously not done. The reason they have caved on this point, is because they did not want to be seen as blocking debate on the most pressing issue facing this country. They also believe they can derail the matter when it comes to a final vote - generally by filibuster, though they may even have enough votes to block it.
I sure hope the GOP leaders know what they are doing. I understand the desire not to be seen as blocking debate - they are running for election again in a year and a half. However, if they cannot derail this bill as planned, the effect would be disastrous for our country, and it would be extremely hard to come back from a defeat in the Senate like this. I don't think the legislation will pace, though the possibility is there that this could pass.
Regardless, I am certain it will not be able to get the 67 votes required to override a presidential veto. I am not worried, but it still sets a dangerous precedent for our government when the Senate and the House infringe on the president's prerogative as Commander-in-chief. They don't have to like the job he's doing - at times, I don't as do other conservatives. That said however, only the Democrats are proposing to take his constitutional responsibilities away from him.