Progressive Democrat Issue 113: NEW HAMPSHIRE FOCUS ON IRAQ AND VETS

The Republican Congress before November 2006 had a contradictory policy where they were creating more Veterans through the Iraq quagmire even as they were cutting Veterans benefits. This led many Veterans organizations, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Retired Enlisted Association and the Disabled American Veterans, to abandon the Republican Party. This sure helped Democrats win some very close races.

One of those close races was in New Hampshire where Carol Shea-Porter narrowly defeated an incumbent Republican. Now Shea-Porter is one of several freshman Reps who have visited Iraq to see for themselves what's up and who combine opposition to the Iraq quagmire with support for our Veterans.

This comes from the New Hampshire Democratic Party:

Rep. Shea-Porter reports back from Iraq: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter settled back into her work on Capitol Hill last week after an official four-day fact-finding trip to Iraq. Rep. Shea-Porter is on the Armed Services Committee.

Shea-Porter and her colleagues met with several of the top-ranking U.S. military commanders in Iraq, including General David Petraeus, Commander of the Multi-National Force -- Iraq, and Major General Joseph Fil, Commanding General of the Multi-National Division -- Baghdad. The delegation also met with Dr. Marouf Al-Bakhit, Prime Minister of Jordan, David Hale, US Ambassador to Jordan, U.S. embassy officials in Baghdad, Iraqi female political leaders, and key members of Iraqi Women's Non-Governmental Organizations.

"I spoke to some of the top people in Iraq," said Shea-Porter. "And virtually no one is talking about a military victory," said Shea-Porter. "They are hoping for a political solution, but it seems extremely unlikely. Iraq is in the middle of a civil war."

Shea-Porter also had the opportunity to meet American soldiers in charge of sweeping roads for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). "Many have lost their lives," said Shea-Porter. "But our soldiers are still out there doing their work. These men and women are unbelievably brave and absolutely dedicated to each other..."

Rep. Shea-Porter sponsors bill to improve veterans' health benefits: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter has become an original co-sponsor of bi-partisan legislation to substantially improve mental health benefits for veterans, especially those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). It will extend the window in which returning soldiers can obtain free health care, screenings, and referrals from two to five years. Symptoms of PTSD do not always surface immediately, and so the legislation will increase the likelihood that veterans get the services they need.

"Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome is a serious problem that our country needs to confront," said Shea-Porter. "Our soldiers are staying in Iraq too long and being sent back too quickly, which increases the occurrence of PTSD in our troops. Like many Vietnam vets, a large number of those serving today don't get the treatment they need. Honoring the troops means honoring our commitment to care for them."

The Democrats have several competing bills going desiged to limit or end the Iraq quagmire. Progressives have gotten behind Jerrold Nadler's (D-NY) HR 455, which is excellent but I hear may have trouble for procedural reasons, and the similarly worderd Barbara Lee (D-CA) Amendment. Both specifically allocate money to support and supply our troops, specifically deny money to the McCain/Bush/Lieberman escalation, and specifically set a timetable for withdrawal. Contact your Congress Critters and the media and express your support for the Lee Amendment and HR455.

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