SR0065 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0065 LRB095 10751 DRJ 31328 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 was passed by the U.S. Congress on October 11, 2002, and Public Law 107-243 cited Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction as a primary reason for the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq; and

WHEREAS, On January 12, 2005, President Bush officially declared an end to the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, The United States initiated combat operations in Iraq on March 19, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Hundreds of thousands of members of the United States Armed Forces have served with honor and distinction in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, More than 3,100 members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed and more than 23,000 members of the Armed Forces have been wounded in substantially accomplishing the stated purpose of the United States of giving the people of Iraq a reasonable opportunity to decide their own future; and

WHEREAS, The United States military occupation of Iraq has placed significant strains on the capacity of the United States Armed Forces, both active duty and reserve and the National Guard; and

WHEREAS, The armed forces of Iraq number more than 76,000 troops as of June 8, 2005, and are growing in number and capability daily; and

WHEREAS, The forces of the Iraqi Interior Ministry number more than 92,000 personnel as of June 8, 2005, and are growing in number and capability daily; and

WHEREAS, More than $200 billion has been appropriated by Congress to fund military operations and reconstruction in Iraq, and Illinois residents' share now exceeds $2.1 billion; and

WHEREAS, The funds spent by Illinois taxpayers on the war and occupation in Iraq could have provided Head Start for one year for more than 238,056 children; or medical insurance for one year for more than 1,076,242 children; or more than 31,147 public school teachers for one year; or more than 16,183 additional housing units, according to the National Priorities Project; and

WHEREAS, The war and continued occupation have resulted in the devastation of Iraq's physical and social infrastructure and led to widespread and continuous resistance to U.S. occupation that threatens the lives of Iraqi civilians and the men and women who compose the ranks of U.S. and other occupying forces; and

WHEREAS, The presence of United States forces in Iraq has inflamed anti-American passions in the Muslim world and increased the terrorist threat to United States citizens, both at home and abroad; and

WHEREAS, Polls show that less than half of the American people support the war; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Congresspersons Rush, Lipinski, Emanuel, Davis, Schakowsky, Jackson, Gutierrez, and Costello joined more than 100 other Congresspersons in voting for a House resolution on an Iraq exit strategy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that on behalf of the citizens of Illinois, we urge the United States government to immediately commence an orderly and rapid withdrawal of United States military personnel from Iraq; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois General Assembly, recognizing that the stability of Iraq is crucial to the security of the citizens of Illinois and to all Americans, urges the United States government to provide the people of Iraq with all necessary non-military material aid as shall be necessary for the security of Iraq's citizens and for the rebuilding of Iraq; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the financial resources used to prosecute the war be redirected to address the urgent needs of America and the most vulnerable portions of our population, including health, education, and homeland security; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution shall be sent to George W. Bush, President of the United States, and the members of the Illinois Congressional delegation.