FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
CONTACT: Will Coghlan, IAVA, (212)-982-9699,

Iraq Veterans Group Responds to Today’s Senate Amendment on Iraq
New Measure Still Lacking a Much-Needed Timeline

The nation’s first and largest Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans organization, IAVA, released the following statement today from Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff in response to the Senate amendment calling for accountability from President Bush on the future course of the Iraq War:

“Today’s passage of the “United States Policy on Iraq Act” has now aligned Senate opinion with public opinion, and most importantly, the Troops’ opinion that the Administration must be held accountable on the war and answer vital questions.

The amendment passed today is a good first step towards finally demanding a real plan for Iraq and an exit strategy, but instead of patting themselves on the back for its passage, Senators should be thinking about what the next step is.

This amendment has two critical shortcomings that must be addressed immediately. First, the resolution’s call for a plan for Iraq is non-binding, and therefore a hollow gesture. It must be made law so that this Administration cannot brush it off like it has so many other calls for accountability on the war. Second, there is no timeline requirement. While an immediate pullout is not an option, it is essential that the Administration establish some sort of timeline for an exit strategy so that the American public and the Troops can be prepared for the long commitment it will likely take to stabilize Iraq.”