U.S. Senator Susan Collins today released this statement following the vote on S.J.Resolution 9, a joint Iraq Resolution.
"Both the Iraq Study Group and the new National Intelligence Estimate report warn of the catastrophic consequences of a precipitous withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. The legislation authored by Sen. Reid would mandate that American troops begin to withdraw from Iraq no later than 120 days after enactment. The intelligence report states that such a withdrawal would likely result in Al Qaeda using Iraq as a haven to plan increased attacks both within and outside of Iraq, lead to massive civilian casualties and population displacements, cause the disintegration of the Iraqi Security Forces, and invite open intervention by neighboring countries such as Iran. In cautioning against a rapid withdrawal, the Iraq Study Group warns that 'Al Qaeda would depict our withdrawal as a historic victory.'
"My vote against this rapid withdrawal does not mean that I support an open-ended commitment of U.S. troops to Iraq. Indeed, I have repeatedly expressed my opposition to the President's plan to send an additional 21,500 troops to Iraq, and I believe that Iraqis must undertake the political actions necessary to quell the sectarian violence. Despite my opposition, the surge of troops is underway at this time. If this new strategy does not demonstrate significant results over the remainder of this year, then Congress should consider all options including a redefinition of our mission and a gradual but significant withdrawal of our troops next year."
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