Past Votes on Afghanistan War Funding and Strategy

Jul 29, 2010

Afghanistan: War Funding Votes Cast Doubts

Will the United States start leaving Afghanistan in July of next year? The president says yes. General Petraeus and other military leaders are still more focused on a war strategy than an exit strategy.

On July 1, representatives approved $33 billion more for war. Two amendments that would have changed the course of U.S. policy failed, but the strong support for these amendments could help convince the administration to rethink its war strategy.

Require an exit strategy: The vote was 162-260, how did your representative vote?

Prevent an escalation of troops and limit funding to the safe withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan: the vote was 100-321, how did your representative vote?

Sen. Russ Feingold's (WI) exit strategy amendment in the Senate failed, 80-18. How did your senators vote?

It's disappointing that these votes didn't change U.S. policy, but FCNL lobbyist Jim Fine reminds us that the debate about the war can influence the direction of U.S. policy, whether or not Congress legislates that change.