Statement of

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL)

Regarding Today’s House Vote That Fell Short of Overriding President Bush’s Veto of the Iraq Accountability Act

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement following today’s House 222 to 203 vote that fell short of the two-thirds majority required to override the President’s veto of the Iraq Accountability Act.

In his statement, Congressman Meek said:

"The plan put forward to fund and train our troops, safely get them home, and require the Iraqi government to meet basic benchmarks in running and protecting their own country is supported by the American public. Today’s vote ignores the desire of the American people for charting a new direction in Iraq and simply rubberstamps the failed Iraq policy of the past U.S. Congress.

"This war has left the United States isolated in the world. Even our closest ally, Great Britain, is withdrawing its troops from Iraq. An almost all-American operation in Iraq is rapidly becoming a total U.S. operation, with our troops, their families and the American taxpayer footing the bill.

"The U.S. Congress will no longer issue a blank check to fight this war, and will restore accountability and oversight to the legislative process.

Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) represents the 17th Congressional District which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

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