18 Congress Members Ask Pelosi for an Upperdown Vote on the Afghan Escalation

Can someone explain this one to me. Are they going to vote No on the escalation and then continue voting Yes on the money for it? If not, why don't they just vote No on the money? Or is this a demand to vote on the money more rapidly? If so, why doesn't it say that?

December 18, 2009
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
U.S. House of Representatives
Room H-232, U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Madam Speaker:

We write to urge you to ensure the House will hold a separate debate and floor vote on the President’s proposal to escalate the United States military presence in Afghanistan.

President Obama has estimated that the deployment of 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan will increase the military costs of the war by $30 billion a year. Members may agree or disagree with the President’s decision in pursuing a military escalation in Afghanistan, but we all appreciate your response to the President’s announcement that “The American people and the Congress will now have an opportunity to fully examine this strategy.”

At a time when the American economy continues to face enormous challenges and individuals across the country are struggling to get by, these costs are especially worthy of Congressional deliberation.

Congress’s consideration of the President’s revised policy in Afghanistan will be critical to reasserting the undisputed role and responsibility of the Legislative Branch in overseeing and providing for our nation’s commitments while at war. To that end, when the resources required for the proposed troop increase are brought to the floor for consideration, we believe it is vital that the House is provided an opportunity for a robust floor debate and up-or-down vote on the issue of a military escalation. Ideally, this should occur prior to the deployment of any additional troops to Afghanistan, or otherwise as soon as possible.

Thank you for your leadership on this issue. We look forward to working with you to ensure Congress holds an honest and full debate regarding the benefits, costs, affordability, and strategic importance of a military escalation in Afghanistan.

Sincerely,

List of Co-signers:

Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Congressman James P. McGovern

Congressman Walter B. Jones

Congresswoman Lynn C. Woolsey

Congressman Eric J. J. Massa

Congressman Fortney Pete Stark

Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva

Congressman Bob Filner

Congressman Keith Ellison

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin

Congressman Jerrold Nadler

Congressman José E. Serrano

Congressman Michael M. Honda

Congressman James P. Moran

Congressman Michael E. Capuano

Congresswoman Janice D. Schakowsky

Congressman Barney Frank

Congressman Peter A. DeFazio