In 2002, when most members of Congress supported the resolution authorizing war in Iraq, Tom Allen courageously voted against it. A vocal opponent of the war since its ill-conceived inception, Tom is actively working to end the U.S. involvement in the war in Iraq. In the spring of 2007, Tom Allen voted for a series of bills that would have begun the process of bringing our troops home. Unfortunately, President Bush vetoed this bill, refusing to heed the will of the American people and of Congress.

Tom voted against the resolution authorizing the war in Iraq in 2002 because he believed it gave President Bush a blank check and he “did not see compelling evidence that Iraq presents a direct and urgent threat to the United States.” Tom fought against authorization by co-authoring the Spratt-Allen resolution, which would have specifically limited the President’s authority to wage war in Iraq.

Four years later, we see the disastrous consequences of that blank check. The United States is less safe and deeper in debt. The U.S. occupation has made Iraq a base for terrorist operations. Indefinite deployment of U.S. troops in Iraq is not sustainable and America’s military readiness is dangerously strained. This war has shredded America’s image around the world, and undermined our credibility and moral authority.

It is time to end this war.

For four long years of gross mismanagement, the Bush administration has received a pass from Republicans in Congress. Tom Allen has called for long-overdue oversight hearings on contracting abuses, management of the war, and faulty intelligence.

Tom believes that we must not forget our soldiers who are serving bravely in Iraq. While our troops are forced into longer and longer deployments, soldiers and their families have received inadequate support and medical treatment when they finally return home. It is essential that leaders in Congress provide our returning troops and veterans with the best possible health care and other services they deserve.