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The latest version of the emergency supplemental bill includes measures authored by Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson, Virginia Senator John Warner and Maine Senator Susan Collins to ensure accountability for progress in Iraq.
"For two years, I have pushed for benchmarks - or 'conditions for staying' - in Iraq. The American people and Congress need a way to determine whether our strategies are working and if the Iraqi government is taking appropriate action to stabilize their country," said Nelson. "If progress is not made, this bill will give us the groundwork to evaluate what our next steps will be. I'm pleased that Congressional leaders and the Administration agree with me that this is the right course of action."
The benchmarks would measure the progress of the Iraqi government on goals such as building internal security forces, distributing oil revenue equitably and recognizing the rights of minority parties in Parliament. The President will be required to report to Congress this summer and in September on the Iraqi government's success in meeting these benchmarks. General Petraeus would also be required to be available to testify before Congress prior to the September progress report.
Should these standards not be met, then $1.6 billion in economic support funding shall be withheld from the Iraqi government, subject to presidential waiver. These provisions are similar to a compromise Nelson, Warner and Collins proposed last week.
"This agreement was difficult to reach, but it is a good compromise. It will ensure that the troops have the resources they need to do their jobs, critical domestic needs are met and the Iraqi government is accountable for progress in Iraq," said Nelson.
The legislation also includes nearly $120 billion for emergency military and domestic needs, including:
$94.7 billion for on-going military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; $1 billion, added by Congress, to replace Army National Guard equipment that has been damaged, destroyed or left behind in Iraq. Nebraska alone faces a equipment shortfall of approximately $80 million; $3 billion for disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. In 2006 alone, 83 counties were designated disaster areas due to prolonged drought; $4.8 billion for health care for active duty troops and veterans; and $6.4 billion for Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts and victims Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
The Senate and House of Representatives are expected to vote on this legislation this evening.
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