Ehlers Votes on Iraq Amendments

Yesterday, Grand Rapids area Congressional Representative Vern Ehlers voted on a series of amendments to a defense spending bill that would provide funding for the continued occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. While the funding bill has not yet been passed by the House, Ehlers votes on the various amendments give a good indication of where he stands on the Iraq War:

* Ehlers voted against an amendment requiring President George W. Bush to submit a report to Congress on the long-term costs of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom within 90 days of enactment. The amendment directs the estimate to be based on certain scenarios; make projections through at least Fiscal Year 2068; and take into account and specify various factors, including operational costs, reconstruction costs, and the cost of providing health care and disability benefits. The amendment passed by a 245-165 vote.

* Ehlers voted against an amendment that prevents any agreements between the Iraqi and United States government pertaining to Iraq’s defense from becoming binding unless they were approved by the Senate. The amendment passed by a 234-183 vote.

* Ehlers did not vote on an amendment that prohibits agencies under the Department of Defense from using contractors for interrogations. The amendment passed by a 240-168 vote.

* Ehlers did not vote on an amendment that requires that interrogations performed by the agencies under the Department of Defense be videotaped or electronically recorded. The amendment passed by a 218-192 vote.

Last week, Ehlers voted “present” on a war funding bill–a vote that was counted as a “no”–as part of a Republican maneuver to protest domestic spending measures contained in the bill. However, in the past he has consistently voted to fund the occupation.

Related Posts:

1. Ehlers Supports Amendments Restricting War with Iran
2. Ehlers Votes to Continue Occupation of Iraq
3. Ehlers Votes against Measure Calling for “Redeployment” of US Soldiers from Iraq
4. Ehlers Votes against Measure Mandating Rest Periods for Troops Serving in Iraq
5. Ehlers Votes against Iraq Funding Bill Calling for “Withdrawal” of U.S. Troops

Tags: antiwar, grand rapids, iraq, michigan, vern ehlers