Important Afghanistan Amendment Fails Narrowly in the House of Representatives
May 26, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2011
CONTACT: Bridget Nolan , Outreach Coordinator, 202.546.0795, ext. 2113, bnolan@clw.org
Washington D.C.--Today, the House voted by a narrow 204-215 against the amendment offered by Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Walter Jones (R-NC) requiring the President to establish a timeline for the transition of U.S. military operations to the government of Afghanistan.
John Isaacs, Executive Director of Council for a Livable World stated, “Although we are disappointed the amendment did not pass—it is the most votes thus far on a piece of legislation to end the war in Afghanistan.”
A similar amendment last year was defeated 162-260 where nine Republicans voted for the amendment and 98 democrats voted against it. Today, 26 Republicans voted “aye” and only eight Democrats voted “no.”
“We’re making progress,” explained Isaacs. “This year, Democrats are more united against the war than ever before, 96% of the House democrats voted for this amendment and the Republican vote almost tripled.”
