Operation Iraqi Freedom and Detainee Issues: Major Votes from the 110th Congress

Operation Iraqi Freedom and Detainee Issues:
th
Major Votes from the 110 Congress
Updated November 27, 2007
Kim Walker Klarman and Lisa Mages
Information Research Specialists
Knowledge Services Group
Pat Towell
Specialist in U.S. Defense Budget
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division



Operation Iraqi Freedom and Detainee Issues:
Major Votes from the 110th Congress
Summary
Both the Iraq War and what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on
Terror (GWOT) have been the subjects of considerable legislative activity since the
opening days of the 110th Congress. After the Iraq Study Group released its
recommendations on December 6, 2006, President Bush followed on January 10,
2007, with an announcement of a new strategy for the Iraq War. The President’s plan
proposed an increase of 28,500 U.S. troops to help improve security in Baghdad and
counter Al Qaeda operatives in Anbar Province. After the President’s announcement,
a number of bills were introduced in the House and Senate that reflected
congressional opposition to the “surge” of U.S. forces and that offered alternative
plans for changing the U.S. forces’ mission in Iraq.
This report consists of a series of tables that summarize the legislation
concerning Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) considered to date during the 110th
Congress, as well as a select group of amendments to H.R. 1585, the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (currently awaiting conference
committee action), that relate to either OIF or the Global War on Terror.
The tables categorize the bills and amendments into the following groups based
on their principal goal: Changing U.S. Forces’ Mission; Reducing the Number of
U.S. Forces in Iraq; Restricting the Use of Funds; Conditioning U.S. Action on Iraqi
Government Benchmarks; Adjusting Legislative Authorization for the Mission;
Other Legislation Concerning Iraq War Policy; and Rules for the Treatment of
Detainees.
CRS has included the bill number, date introduced, sponsor, short title, key
provisions, and vote or status for each piece of legislation covered. Key provisions
highlight factors that could have an impact on the policy of or the course of events
in the Iraq War or the GWOT.
This report will be updated on a regular basis. For further information on Iraq
War policy and options, see also CRS Report RL31339, Iraq: Post-Saddam
Governance and Security, by Kenneth Katzman; and CRS Report RL33793, Iraq:
Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy, coordinated by Christopher Blanchard. For
further information on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008,
see also CRS Report RL33999, Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations,
by Pat Towell, Stephen Daggett, and Amy Belasco.



Contents
In troduction ......................................................1
Changes in the Mission of U.S. Forces in Iraq...........................2
Reducing the Number of U.S. Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan...............5
Iraq War Funding.................................................12
Establishing Benchmarks for the Iraqi Government......................13
Authorization of Use of Military Forces...............................15
Other Legislation Concerning Iraq War Policy..........................16
Global War on Terror (GWOT)......................................18
List of Tables
Table 1. Legislation Concerning Iraq Mission Changes....................2
Table 2. Legislation Regarding Reducing the Number of U.S. Forces
in Iraq and Afghanistan.........................................6
Table 3. Legislation Concerning Funding of Iraq War....................12
Table 4. Legislation Concerning Establishing Benchmarks for the
Iraqi Government............................................14
Table 5. Other Legislation Concerning Iraq War Policy...................16
Table 6. Legislation Concerning the Global War on Terror................19



Operation Iraqi Freedom and Detainee
th
Issues: Major Votes from the 110 Congress
Introduction
Both the Iraq War and what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on
Terror (GWOT) have been the subjects of considerable legislative activity since theth
opening days of the 110 Congress. After the Iraq Study Group released its
recommendations on December 6, 2006,1 President Bush followed on January 10,
2007, with an announcement of a new strategy for the Iraq War. The President’s plan
proposed an increase of 28,500 U.S. troops to help improve security in Baghdad and
in Anbar Province. After the President’s announcement, a number of bills were
introduced in the House and Senate that reflected congressional opposition to the
“surge” of U.S. forces and to an open-ended commitment of a high level of U.S.
forces in Iraq, and that offered alternative plans for changing the U.S. forces’ mission
in Iraq.
This report consists of a series of tables that summarize the legislation
concerning Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) considered to date during the 110th
Congress, as well as a select group of amendments to H.R. 1585, the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, that relate to either OIF or the
Global War on Terror.
The tables categorize the bills and amendments into the following groups based
on their principal goal: Changing U.S. Forces’ Mission; Reducing the Number of
U.S. Forces in Iraq; Restricting the Use of Funds; Conditioning U.S. Action on Iraqi
Government Benchmarks; Adjusting Legislative Authorization for the Mission;
Other Legislation Concerning Iraq War Policy; and Rules for the Treatment of
Detainees.
CRS has included the bill number, date introduced, sponsor, short title, key
provisions, and vote or status for each piece of legislation covered. Key provisions
highlight factors that could have an impact on the policy of or the course of events
in the Iraq War or the GWOT.
One bill, H.R. 1591, the first version of the FY2007 supplemental
appropriations bill (which President Bush vetoed), is listed in two of the tables
(Tables 2 and 3) because it includes some provisions that fall in each of two
categories. Some provisions of the bill set readiness standards for U.S. forces


1 Lee H. Hamilton and Lawrence S. Eagleburger, The Iraq Study Group Report (2006).
Available at [http://www.usip.org/isg/iraq_study_group_report/report/1206/index.html],
accessed November 27, 2007.

deployed to Iraq, while other provisions condition U.S. assistance on the Iraqi
government’s achievement of certain benchmarks of security and political
reconciliation.
Changes in the Mission of U.S. Forces in Iraq
Legislation included in this section covers those bills and amendments that
address the overall strategy for the war in Iraq or that call for changes in that strategy.th
Several bills were introduced early in the 110 Congress that proposed
comprehensive changes to the U.S. mission in Iraq, such as S. 433, S. 679, H.R.2
1581, and S. 1545. Most of this legislation, however, remains in committee and has
not reached the floor for vote.
As is evident below (Table 1), the earliest legislation voted on was in direct
reaction to President Bush’s new strategy, revealed on January 10, 2007, which called
for an increase in the number of U.S. combat troops in Iraq. Most of this legislation
reflected ideas presented in the Iraq Study Group’s findings, which entailed a
comprehensive U.S. diplomatic, political, and economic strategy for dealing with the
situation in Iraq.
Table 1. Legislation Concerning Iraq Mission Changes
Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
S.Con.Res.2A concurrentSense of Congress that:Motion to
01/17/07resolutioninvoke cloture
Sen. Joseph R.expressing theIt is not in U.S. national interest torejected:
Biden, Jr.bipartisanincrease U.S. military presence in0-97
resolution onIraq02/01/07


Iraq
Greater regional and international
support would help Iraqis find a
political solution
U.S. forces’ mission should
transition to border security, counter-
terrorism activities, reduction of
regional interference, and
accelerated training of Iraqi forces
U.S. should shift responsibility for
internal security and halting sectarian
violence to Iraqi forces
U.S. should engage Middle Eastern
nations to develop peace process
2 The full text of these bills is available online via the Legislative Information System (LIS)
at [http://www.congress.gov/].

Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
H.Con.Res. 63DisapprovingResolved that:Passed House:
02/12/07of the Decision246-182
Rep. Ike Skeltonof the PresidentCongress and the American people02/16/07
announced oncontinue to support the troops
January 10,
2007, to deployCongress disapproves of President
more thanBush’s “surge strategy
20,000
additional U.S.
combat troops
to Iraq
S. 470A bill toSense of Congress that:Motion to
01/31/07express theinvoke cloture
Sen. Carl Levinsense ofThe Senate disagrees with Presidentrejected: 49-47
Congress onBushs plan to increase troop levels02/05/07
Iraqin Iraq
The Senate believes U.S. should
continue combating insurgency in
Anbar province
The Senate believes a failed state in
Iraq would threaten long-term U.S.
security interests
Congress should not reduce or
eliminate funding for U.S. forces in
the field, as that would undermine
their safety
U.S. military, diplomatic, and
economic strategy should not be
open-ended but conditioned on
benchmarks being met by Iraqi
go ve r nme nt
Iraqi military should assume role of
combating sectarian violence
S. 574A bill toSense of Congress that:Motion to
02/13/07express theinvoke cloture
Sen. Harry Reidsense ofCongress and the American peoplerejected: 56-34
Congress oncontinue to support the troops02/17/07


Iraq
Congress disapproves of President
Bushs decision to deploy more U.S.
combat troops to Iraq

Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
S.J.Res. 9U.S. Policy inPresident shall commenceSenate rejected:
03/08/07Iraq Resolutionredeployment of U.S. troops from48-50
Sen. Harry Reidof 2007Iraq not later than 120 days after03/15/07
enactment with the goal of
redeploying all U.S. combat forces
from Iraq by March 31, 2008
Exception for essential troops to
protect U.S. personnel and
infrastructure, train and equip Iraqi
forces, and conduct targeted counter-
terrorism operations
Calls for comprehensive diplomatic,
political, and economic strategy that
includes sustained engagement with
Iraqs neighbors and international
co mmunity
Not later than 60 days after
enactment, President shall submit
report to Congress on progress made
on transitioning mission and
implementing redeployment; report
shall be updated quarterly
H.Amdt. 353,Department ofProvide $1 million to the U.S. InstituteAgreed to in
H.R. 2764State, Foreignof Peace to reestablish the Iraq StudyHouse: 355-69
06/21/07Operations, andGroup06-21-07
Re p . Related
Christopher Programs
Shays Appropriatio ns
Act, 2008
S.Amdt. 2100,NationalSense of the Senate that:Senate passed:
H.R. 1585Defense94-3
07/11/07AuthorizationSenate should commit to a strategy07/17/07


Sen. JohnAct for Fiscalthat will not leave a failed state in
CornynYear 2008Iraq
Senate should not pass legislation
that will undermine the militarys
ability to prevent a failed state in
Iraq

Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
H.R. 3087To require theDirects the Secretary of Defense,Passed House:
07/18/07President, inwithin 60 days after the enactment of377-46
Rep. Johncoordinationthe act and every 90 days thereafter,10/02/07
Tannerwith theto report to the congressional defense
Secretary ofand appropriations committees on
State, thethe status of planning for the
Secretary ofredeployment of Armed Forces from
Defense, theIraq
Joint Chiefs of
Staff, and other
senior military
leaders, to
develop and
transmit to
Congress a
c o mp r e he nsi ve
strategy for the
redeployment
of United
States Armed
Forces in Iraq
a. Generally, it requires 60 votes to invoke cloture, or end debate, on a measure or matter in the
Senate.
Reducing the Number of U.S. Troops in Iraq
and Afghanistan
The legislation that would reduce the number of U.S. troops falls into two
groups. One set of proposals calls for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq starting at
a specific point in time, with some bills setting either a binding deadline or a
nonbinding goal for completion of the drawdown. Most of these bills exclude from
the withdrawal requirement any U.S. troops assigned to certain limited missions
including the defense of U.S. facilities and the conduct of targeted anti-terrorist
missions of limited duration.
A second set of proposals would indirectly compel a reduction in the number
of U.S. troops in Iraq by prohibiting the deployment of units that did not meet certain
standards of combat-readiness, by requiring that units be deployed for no longer than
the maximum length of time allowed by the policy of their parent service, and by
barring the return to Iraq of units previously deployed there unless they had a
minimum period of time at their home station (or “dwell time”) before the second
Iraq deployment. The Army is unable to sustain its current level of deployments in
Iraq unless units are deployed for longer periods and/or are redeployed after shorter
dwell times than Army policy dictates. Moreover, the tempo at which units have to
return to Iraq has reportedly inhibited most Army brigades from meeting some of the
established readiness criteria.



The first version of the emergency supplemental appropriations bill, H.R. 1591,
included both types of troop reduction requirements. It required a withdrawal to
proceed according to one of two alternative timetables, depending on the extent to
which the Iraqi government met certain benchmarks of security and political
reconciliation. It also prohibited the deployment of units that did not meet readiness
standards and the deployment of any unit for longer than was called for by its parent
service (365 days in the case of Army units and 210 days for Marine Corps units).
An amendment to H.R. 1591 introduced by Senator Cochran that would strike the
language setting a timetable for redeployment was defeated in the Senate by a vote
of 82-16. The bill narrowly passed both the House and the Senate in March, but was
vetoed by President Bush on May 2, 2007.
Table 2. Legislation Regarding Reducing the Number of
U.S. Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
H.R. 1591U.S. TroopRequires the President to report byPassed
03/20/07Readiness,July 1, 2007 whether the IraqiHouse:
Rep. David R.Veterans Care,government is making “substantial218-212
ObeyKatrina Recovery,progress” toward meeting certain03/23/07
(see also Tableand Iraqbenchmarks of improvement in
3)Accountabilitysecurity and political reconciliation. IfAdopted
Appropriationssubstantial progress is not reported,conference
Act, 2007the withdrawal of U.S. troops fromreport:
Iraq (except for specific, limited218-208, 2
missions) must begin by July 1 with aPresent
goal of being completed within 1804/25/07
days. If substantial progress is
reported, the withdrawal must beginPassed
by Oct. 1, 2007.Senate:
51-47
The withdrawal requirement exempts03/29/07
units remaining in Iraq for protection
of U.S. diplomatic facilities andAdopted
citizens, for customary diplomaticconference
positions, for targeted operations ofreport:
limited duration against terrorist51-46
organizations with global reach, and04/26/07
for training and equipping Iraqi
security forcesVeto
Override
No funds may be used to deploy toRejected:
Iraq a unit not ratedfully mission222-203, 1
capable,” to deploy any Army unit forPresent
more than 35 days, or to deploy a05/02/07


Marine Corps unit for more than 210
days
The President may waive the
readiness requirement and
deployment time limits on grounds of
national security

Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
S.Amdt. 643,U.S. TroopStrike language that would requireSenate
H.R. 1591Readiness,withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraqrejected:
03/26/07Veterans Care,on a mandatory timetable48-50
Sen. ThadKatrina Recovery,03/27/07
Cochranand Iraq
Acco untab ility
Appropriatio ns
Act, 2007
S.Amdt. 1098Water ResourcesRedeploy U.S. troops from IraqMotion on
to S.Amdt.Development Actbeginning no later than 120 days aftercloture
1097, H.R.of 2007enactmentrejected:
1495 29-67
05/14/07Exceptions include conductingAmendment
Sen. Russell D.targeted operations against Al Qaedawithdrawn
Feingoldand other international terrorist05/16/07
organizations, providing security for
U.S. personnel and infrastructure, and
training and equipping Iraqi security
fo rces
H.R. 2237To provide for theRedeployment to begin no later thanHouse
5/29/07redeployment of90 days after enactment and berejected:
Rep. James P.U.S. Armedcompleted within 180 days171-255
McGovernForces and05/10/07


defenseFunds may not be used to increase
contractors fromlevel of U.S. troops from that number
Iraqin place as of January 1, 2007
Some exceptions for retaining limited
U.S. armed forces in Iraq for
diplomatic security, targeted terrorist
actions, training Iraqi Security Forces,
etc.
All military facilities must be turned
over to Iraq government

Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
S.Amdt. 2012,National DefenseRequires that period betweenMotion on
H.R. 1585Authorization Actdeployments to Iraq (or “dwell time”)cloture
07/09/07for Fiscal Yearfor any active component unit must berejected:
Sen. Jim Webb2008as long as the duration of the unit’s56-41
previous deploymentAmendment
withd r awn
Sense of Congress that the optimum07/11/07
dwell time between deployments for
any active component unit is at least
twice the duration of the previous
deployment
Requires that the dwell time between
deployments to Iraq for any reserve
component unit must be at least three
years
Sense of Congress that no reserve
component unit should be mobilized
for deployment to Iraq for longer than
one year at a time or within five years
of its previous mobilization
Sets out optimal periods of
deployment for U.S. military troops
and reservists as well as periods
between deployment
H.R. 2956ResponsibleBegin reduction of U.S. forcesHouse
07/10/07Redeploymentserving in Iraq by no later than 120passed:
Rep. Ikefrom Iraq Actdays after enactment223-201
Skelto n 07-12-07
Complete reduction to a limited
presence in Iraq by no later than April
1, 2008
President to submit comprehensive
strategy for Iraq to Congress by
January 1, 2008 and quarterly
thereafter, including number of troops
deployed to Iraq and the mission for
which they were deployed
S.Amdt.2032,National DefenseArmy unit or individual may not beSenate
H.R. 1585Authorization Actdeployed for more than 12rejected:
07/10/07for Fiscal Yearconsecutive months52-45
Sen. Chuck200807/11/07


HagelMarines may not be deployed for
more than seven consecutive months
President can waive these provisions

Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
S.Amdt.2078,National DefenseSense of Congress that:Senate
H.R. 1585Authorization Actrejected:
07/11/07for Fiscal YearThe goal for active components units41-55
Sen. Lindsey2008should be a dwell time of no less than07/11/07
Graham12 months between deployments
For members of the reserve
components, the goal should be a
dwell time of no less than five years
between deployments
S.Amdt.2087,National DefenseCommence reduction of forces noMotion on
H.R. 1585Authorization Actlater than 120 days after enactmentcloture
07/11/07for Fiscal Yearrejected:
Sen. Carl Levin2008Limited U.S. forces may remain in52-47
Iraq to protect U.S. personnel and07/18/07
infrastructure, train Iraqi Security
Forces, and engage in targeted
counter-terrorism activities against Al
Qaeda and other international terrorist
o r ga ni z a t i o ns
Complete transition of U.S. forces to
a limited presence by April 30, 2008
Reduction implemented as part of a
comprehensive diplomatic, political,
and economic strategy including
sustained engagement with Iraq’s
neighbors and international
co mmunity
Appoint an international mediator to
Iraq under auspices of the United
Nations Security Council
H.R. 3159Ensuring MilitaryProhibits any unit of the regularPassed House:
07/24/07ReadinessArmed Forces from being deployed 229-194, 3
Rep. EllenThrough Stabilityunless the period between the mostPresent
Tauscherand Predictabilityrecent previous deployment and a08/02/07


Deploymentsubsequent deployment is equal to or
Policy Act oflonger than the period of the most
2007 recent previous deployment
Prohibits any unit of the reserves from
being deployed unless the period
between the most recent previous
deployment and a subsequent
deployment is at least three times
longer than the period of the most
recent previous deployment
Provides for exceptions and
presidential waivers for these
deployment requirements

Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
S.Amdt. 2909,National Defense[same as S.Amdt.2012, above] exceptSenate
H.R. 1585Authorization Actfor the following changes:rejected:
09/19/07for Fiscal Year54-44
Sen. Jim Webb2008Special Operations forces are exemptAmendment
from the dwell time requirementswithdrawn
09/19/07
Provision would take effect 120 days
after the enactment of the bill
S.Amdt. 2918,National DefenseSense of the Senate that:Senate
H.R. 1585Authorization Actrejected:
09/19/07for Fiscal YearThe goal for active component units55-45
Sen. John2008should be a dwell time no less thanAmendment
McCainthe previous deployment periodwithdrawn
09/19/07
For members of the reserve
components, the goal should be a
dwell time of no less than three years
between deployments
S.Amdt. 2924,National DefenseRedeploy U.S. troops from IraqSenate
H.R. 1585Authorization Actbeginning no later than 90 days afterrejected:
09/20/07for Fiscal Yearenactment28-70
Sen. Russell2008Amendment
FeingoldNo funds expended for thewithdrawn
deployment of U.S. Armed Forces in09/20/07


Iraq after June 20, 2008
Exceptions include conducting
targeted operations against Al Qaeda
and other international terrorist
organizations, providing security for
U.S. personnel and infrastructure, and
training and equipping Iraqi security
fo rces

Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
S.Amdt. 2898,National DefenseCommence reduction of forces noSenate
H.R. 1585Authorization Actlater than 90 days after enactmentrejected:
09/20/07for Fiscal Year47-47
Sen. Carl Levin2008Reduction implemented as part of aAmendment
comprehensive diplomatic, political,withdrawn
and economic strategy including09/21/07
sustained engagement with Iraq’s
neighbors and international
co mmunity
Appoint an international mediator to
Iraq under auspices of the United
Nations Security Council
Limited U.S. forces may remain in
Iraq to protect U.S. personnel and
infrastructure, train Iraqi Security
Forces, and engage in targeted
counter-terrorism activities against Al
Qaeda and other international terrorist
o r ga ni z a t i o ns
Complete transition of U.S. forces to
a limited presence no later than nine
months after enactment
H.R. 4156Orderly andExpresses the sense of Congress that Passed
11/13/07Responsible Iraqthe war in Iraq should end as safelyHouse
Rep. DavidRedeploymentand quickly as possible, and U.S.218 - 203, 1
ObeyAppropriationstroops should be brought homePresent
Act, 200811/14/07
Prohibits funds from being used to
deploy any U.S. military unit to IraqCloture on
unless the President has certified suchthe motion to
unit as “fully mission capable”proceed not
invoked in
Makes funds immediately available toSenate:
plan and execute a safe and orderly53-45
redeployment of U.S. Armed Forces11/16/07
from Iraq. Directs the President to
commence such redeployment within
30 days after this act’s enactment.
Sets as a goal to realize a limited
presence and missions by December
15, 2008
a. Generally, it requires 60 votes to invoke cloture, or end debate, on a measure or matter in the
Senate.



Iraq War Funding
The legislation in Table 3 concerns the use of congressionally authorized and
appropriated funds for the war in Iraq. The bills range from prohibiting funding for
extended deployments to restricting funds being used for operations in Iran.
Table 3. Legislation Concerning Funding of Iraq War
Bill, Date
Introduced, andShort TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
Spo nso r
S.Con.Res. 20Expressing the senseSense of Congress thatPassed
03/15/07of Congress that noCongress should not take anySenate:
Sen. Judd Greggfunds should be cut offaction that would endanger82-16
or reduced forAmerican troops in the field,03/15/07
American troops in theincluding eliminating or
field which wouldreducing funding
result in undermining
their safety or their
ability to complete
their assigned mission
H.R. 1591U.S. Troop Readiness,Prohibits use of funds forPassed
03/20/07Veterans Care,deploying military units if theyHouse:
Rep. David R.Katrina Recovery, andare not certified as fully mission218-212
ObeyIraq Accountabilitycapable03/23/07
(see also Table 2)Appropriations Act,
2007Prohibits funds from being usedAdopted
for deployment after 210 daysconference
report:
Makes funds available for218-208, 2
immediate redeploymentPresent
4/25/07
Allows presidential waiver for
national security purposesPassed
Senate:
Prohibits redeployment of Army51-47
units that have served within the03/29/07
past 365 days and Marines who
have served within the past 210Adopted
days conference
report:
Specific benchmarks for Iraqi51-46
government that must be04/26/07
certified by President Bush
Veto
Overrid e
Rej ected:
222-203, 1
Present
05/02/07
H.Amdt. 186,National DefenseProhibits the use of fundsHouse
H.R. 1585Authorization Act forauthorized for militaryrejected:
05/16/07Fiscal Year 2008operations in Iraq and202-216
Rep. Robert E.Afghanistan from being used for05/16/07


Andrewsoperations in Iran

Bill, Date
Introduced, andShort TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
Spo nso r
H.R. 3222Department of DefenseFunds appropriated by the actPassed
07/30/07Appropriations Act,shall not be used to establishHouse:
Rep. John Murtha2008any military installation or base395-13
for the purpose of providing for08/05/07
the permanent stationing of
United States Armed Forces inSenate
Iraq or to exercise U.S. controlpassed by
over Iraqi oil resourcesvoice vote:
10/03/07
After FY2008, any request for
funds for an ongoing militaryHouse
operation overseas, includingadopted
operations in Afghanistan andconference
Iraq, shall be included in thereport:
annual budget of the President400-15
11/08/07
Senate
adopted
conference
report by
voice vote:
11/08/07
S. 2340A bill makingProvides $70 billion inCloture on
11/13/07emergencyemergency supplementalthe motion
Sen. Mitchsupplementalappropriations and requiresto proceed
McConnellappropriations for theSecretary of Defense to submitnot invoked
Department of Defensequarterly reports to Congress onin Senate:
for the fiscal yearprogress toward stability in Iraq 45-53
ending September 30,11/16/07
2008, and for other
purposes
Establishing Benchmarks for the Iraqi Government
Legislation that specifically addressed the issue of the Iraqi government meeting
benchmarks of improved security and political reconciliation is listed below. Several
other pieces of legislation covered in the sections above entitled “Mission in Iraq”
and “Redeployment” also had benchmarks as part of their criteria. The pieces below
differ in that benchmarks are the centerpiece of these particular bills.
For additional information about the benchmarks, see CRS Report RS21968,
Iraq: Government Formation and Benchmarks, by Kenneth Katzman.



Table 4. Legislation Concerning Establishing Benchmarks for
the Iraqi Government
Bill, Datea
Introduced, andShort TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
Spo nso r
H.R. 2206U.S. Troop$52.8 billion for U.S. militaryPassed House:
05/08/07Readiness,operations is available only after221-205
Rep. David R.Veterans Care,the President reports, by July 13,05/10/07
ObeyKatrina2007, whether Iraqi government is
Recovery, andachieving progress toward 16Passed Senate
Iraqbenchmarks of security andwith an
Accountabilitypolitical reconciliation, and afteramendment by
AppropriationsCongress approves and thevoice vote
Act of 2007President signs a joint resolution05/17/07


(P.L. 110-28)releasing the funds
No unit may be deployed not fully
mission capable (President may
waive this limit)
No Army unit may be deployed for
longer than 365 days or redeployed
within 365 days of a previous
deployment; nor may a Marine
Corps unit be deployed for longer
than 270 days or redeployed within
270 days of a previous deployment
(President may waive these limits)
Sense of Congress that, as Iraqi
security forces achieve proficiency
in independent combat operations,
U.S. forces should be withdrawn.
Requires monthly reports by
President on capability of Iraqi
security forces.
Requires independent, private
sector assessment of Iraqi security
fo rces
No funds may be used for
permanent stationing of U.S. forces
in Iraq or to exercise control over
Iraq’s oil resources
No funds may be used in
contravention of U.S. laws
implementing the United Nations
Torture Convention

Bill, Datea
Introduced, andShort TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
Spo nso r
S.Amdt.1134,WaterRequires President to withholdMotion to
H.R. 1495Resourcesfunding if Iraqi government fails toinvoke cloture
05/15/07Developmentmeet 18 benchmarksrejected: 52-44
Sen. John WarnerAct of 200705/16/07
President must submit reports
assessing status of each benchmark;
if unsatisfactory progress has been
made, then President will outline
revision of strategy
a. Generally, it requires 60 votes to invoke cloture, or end debate, on a measure or matter in the
Senate.
Authorization of Use of Military Forces
The Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002
(P.L. 107-243) was passed by Congress and signed by the President on October 16,
2002. The legislation requires the President to submit mandatory reports to
Congress, but does not include a time limit on deployment of U.S. troops or criteria
for deciding when to withdraw them. It appears that the legislation authorizes the
President to use force as long as Iraq remains a threat to the United States and the
U.S. presence does not conflict with relevant U.N. resolutions.
Although legislation that would repeal the original authorization or require new
authorization to maintain U.S. forces in Iraq has been introduced in the 110th
Congress (e.g., S.Amdt. 2003 and S.Amdt. 2146 to H.R. 1585, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008), none has been subject to a vote. (For
further background information, please see CRS Report RL33837, Congressional
Authority to Limit U.S. Military Operations in Iraq, by Jennifer K. Elsea, Michael
John Garcia, and Thomas J. Nicola.)



Other Legislation Concerning Iraq War Policy
This group of legislation covers a broad range of topics ranging from the
medical care and equipping of U.S. troops, to relocation of endangered Iraqi citizens,
to control of Iraqi oil resources and establishment of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq.
Table 5. Other Legislation Concerning Iraq War Policy
Bill, Date
Introduced, andShort TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
Spo nso r
S.Res.107Expressing theSense of Senate that:Senate passed:
03/15/07sense of the Senate96-2
Sen. Patty Murraythat no actionNecessary funding will be03/15/07
should be taken tosupplied for training, equipping,
undermine theand supporting U.S. troops in the
safety of thefield
Armed Forces of
the United StatesPresident and Congress should
or impact theirensure adequate medical care for
ability to completetroops returning from Iraq
their assigned or
future missionsPresident and Congress should
ensure that U.S. troops have
what they need to perform
successfully in Iraq and that U.S.
strategy is adjusted as necessary
to ensure success in Iraq
H.Amdt. 196,National DefenseThe provision of the billRejected in
H.R. 1585Authorization Actprohibiting establishment ofHouse: 201-219
05/16/07for Fiscal Yearpermanent military bases in Iraq05/17/07
Rep. Steve King2008is not to be construed to prevent
the United States from entering
into a basing rights agreement
with Iraq for the establishment of
temporary bases
H.Amdt. 352,Department ofAmendment increases fundingRejected in
H.R. 2764State, Foreignfor assistance programs for IraqHouse: 205-219
06/21/07Operations, andby $158 million06/21/07


Rep. Frank R.Related Programs
Wolf Appropriatio ns
Act, 2008

Bill, Date
Introduced, andShort TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
Spo nso r
H.R. 2929To limit the use ofDeclares that it is the policy ofPassed House:
06/28/07funds to establishthe United States not to establish399-24
Rep. Barbara Leeany militaryany military installation or base07/25/07
installation or basefor providing for the permanent
for the purpose ofstationing of U.S. Armed Forces
providing for thein Iraq, and prohibits use of
permanentfunds for such installations or
stationing ofbases
United States
Armed Forces in
Iraq or to exercise
United States
economic control
of the oil resources
of Iraq
S.Amdt. 2934,National DefenseExpresses the sense of the SenateAgreed to in
H.R. 1585Authorization Actthat General Petraeus deservesSenate:
09/19/07for Fiscal Yearthe full support of the Senate and72-25
Sen. John Cornyn2008condemns personal attacks on09/20/07
Petraeus and all members of the
U.S. Armed Forces
S.Amdt. 2947,National DefenseExpresses the sense of the SenateRejected by
H.R. 1585Authorization Actto reaffirm support for the U.S.Senate:a
09/20/07for Fiscal YearArmed Forces and to condemn50-47
Sen. Barbara2008all personal attacks on membersAmendment
Boxerof the Armed Forceswithdrawn
09/20/07
S.Amdt.2997,National DefenseExpresses the sense of the SenateAgreed to in
H.R. 1585Authorization Actthat the United States shouldSenate:
09/21/07for Fiscal Yearactively support creation of a75-23
Sen. Joseph2008federal system of government in09/26/07
Biden Iraq
H.R. 2740MEJA ExpansionAmends the bill to provide thatMotion agreed
(motion toand Enforcementnothing in the act shall beto: 342-75
recommit withAct of 2007construed to affect intelligence10/04/07


instructions)activities that are otherwise
10/04/07permissible prior to its enactment
Rep. J. Randy
Fo r b es

Bill, Date
Introduced, andShort TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
Spo nso r
H.R. 2740MEJA ExpansionProvides that federal contractHouse passed:
06/15/07and Enforcementemployees in an area where U.S.389-30
Rep. David E.Act of 2007forces are engaged in military10/04/07
Priceoperations who engage in
activity that would be punishable
by imprisonment for more than
one year if engaged in within
U.S. jurisdiction, shall be
punished as if the activity had
occurred within U.S. jurisdiction
Department of Justice Inspector
General shall report to Congress
on the status of investigations of
alleged contractor abuses
FBI shall create “Theater
Investigative Units” to
investigate allegations of
criminal misconduct by
contractor personnel in theaters
of contingency operations
H.R. 400War ProfiteeringProhibits fraud (includingMotion to
01/11/07Prevention Act ofknowingly overvaluing goods orsuspend the
Rep. Neil2007services) under a contract inrules and pass
Abercrombieconnection with an overseasthe bill
mission of the U.S. governmentagreed to:
375-5
10/09/07
a. In the affirmative, 60 votes required for passage.
Global War on Terror (GWOT)
The legislation in Table 7 directly addresses the treatment of detainees and their
rights under the Geneva Convention, as well as the U.S. Constitution. One
amendment also proposes closing the Department of Defense’s detention center at
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.



Table 6. Legislation Concerning the Global War on Terror
Bill, Datea
Introduced,Short TitleKey ProvisionsStatus/Vote
and Sponsor
S.Amdt. 2022, To restore habeasRestores the right of habeas corpus forMotion on
H.R. 1585corpus for thosedetaineescloture
07/09/07detained by therejected:
Sen. ArlenUnited States56-43
Specter 09/19/07
S.Amdt.2351,College CostExpressing the sense of the Senate thatAgreed to in
H.R. 2669Reduction Act ofdetainees housed at Guantanamo Bay,Senate: 94-3
07/19/072007 Cuba, including senior members of Al07/19/07
Sen. MitchQaeda, should not be released into
McConnellAmerican society, nor should they be
transferred stateside into facilities in
American communities and
neighborhoods
a. Generally, it requires 60 votes to invoke cloture, or end debate, on a measure or matter in the Senate.