<strong>CLEAN BILL</strong>

We respectfully remind you that the vast majority of Americans believe that there is no room for partisan politics in our country's foreign affairs. In a huge melting-pot nation such as ours, a nonpartisan foreign policy is the only way to ensure that, "... America speaks with maximum authority against those who would divide and conquer us and the free world." We also remind you that the distinguished Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group introduced last December's report with these words of caution, "... U.S. foreign policy is doomed to failure---as is any course of action in Iraq---if it is not supported by a broad, sustained consensus."

The U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act, 2007 (HR 1591) has failed our country thus far in both respects. Its recent passage by Congress (House: 218-212, Senate: 51-47) fell far short of establishing a broad consensus, with only 4 Republicans voting in favor of it. Even those slim partisan majorities had to be bought (1, 2) with the addition of a minimum wage raise and other unrelated items, including $billions in non-emergency spending. In addition, President Bush has repeatedly pledged to veto it unless he is presented with a CLEAN BILL that, "... provides the funds and the flexibility that our troops need to accomplish their mission." His request for the removal of extraneous items from these emergency appropriations is supported by well-respected individuals and organizations representing a broad cross-section of American society. Among others, they include the national commanders of the VFW and American Legion; over 90 organizations supporting the Living Wage Campaign; and 8 citizen groups that are deeply concerned about controlling government spending.

As you well know, President Bush's main objection has been the troop withdrawal timetables and other restrictions that this legislation places on military operations in Iraq. Although we might individually agree with these provisions, as well as some of the other ones you have chosen to add to the president's original request, we are unanimous in asking you to remove them prior to submitting this legislation for his signature. We are fully aware that combining a large number of unrelated items into a single bill has been done in the past by Republican and Democratic leaders alike. However, we believe that such partisan tactics have always been out of place when dealing with foreign affairs---especially when they wind up delaying emergency appropriations for our troops in the field!