SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9
INTRODUCED BY S. GALLUS
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA OPPOSING AN ESCALATION OF THE UNITED STATES INVOLVEMENT IN IRAQ; AND ASKING THAT THE PRESIDENT OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM CONGRESS BEFORE SENDING MORE AMERICAN SOLDIERS TO IRAQ.
WHEREAS, the President has proposed an escalation in the number of United States troops deployed in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, United States involvement in Iraq has resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 United States troops and the wounding of more than 22,000 United States military personnel to date; and
WHEREAS, this proposed escalation will result in future National Guard tours in Iraq, with a significant percentage of Montana National Guard units having already completed tours in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, the cost to National Guard members for deployment in Iraq has been significant, as reckoned in lost lives, combat injuries, psychic trauma, disruption of family life, financial hardship for individuals, families, and businesses, interruption of careers, and damage to the fabric of civic life in our communities; and
WHEREAS, American troops have valiantly performed their duties in Iraq under dire circumstances; and
WHEREAS, the effect of the Iraq war on recruitment, retention, training, and morale of the United States Armed Forces has been significant; and
WHEREAS, Montanans have gone above and beyond the call of duty, with a large percentage of Montana men and women serving in Iraq and 14 Montanans giving their lives in Iraq as of December 31, 2006; and
WHEREAS, more than $357 billion has been appropriated by Congress to fund military operations and reconstruction in Iraq to date, and an estimated monthly cost of $7 billion for the conduct of the war adds to the burgeoning federal deficit and detracts from needed priorities at home; and
WHEREAS, a majority of Congress, the military, and the nation oppose the President's strategy of escalation; and
WHEREAS, Congress has broad authority and a long tradition of limiting escalation or forcing redeployment of troops through the power of the purse.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Montana Legislature call on the United States government to not escalate its involvement in Iraq or
increase troop levels.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President obtain approval from Congress before sending more
American soldiers to Iraq.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Congress condition appropriations toward the United States involvement
in Iraq to prevent an escalation of the number of troops deployed and to ensure that currently deployed troops
have needed resources.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent by the Secretary of State to the Honorable
George W. Bush, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the
United States House of Representatives, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate and
House of Representatives, and each member of the Montana Congressional Delegation.
- END -
Latest Version of SJ 9 (SJ0009.01)
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