Daines Reafirms Opposition to Increased U.S. Presence in Iraq

Press Release

Representative Steve Daines today reaffirmed his opposition to sending more American troops to Iraq and warned President Obama to not unilaterally expand the mission there.

Daines voted in favor of a House resolution stating that the President cannot order "sustained combat in Iraq" without Congressional authorization and calling on him to restrain from acting outside the scope of the War Powers Resolution.

"Only the Iraqi people can secure their future. I strongly oppose sending more American troops to Iraq and encourage Iraqi leadership to unite their citizens from all sects and ethnicities against al Qaeda-linked forces," Daines said.

Daines has consistently and strongly opposed sending more American troops to Iraq and insisted that the President closely consult with Congress and seek necessary authorization as decisions regarding the United States' role in Iraq are made.

Last month, Daines was one of only 23 Republicans who voted for an amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act to prohibit the use of funds for conducting American combat missions in Iraq.

Daines' also voted for an amendment to that legislation pronouncing that the 2002 Authorization to Use Military Force in Iraq does not authorize new military operations.

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