RESOLUTION URGING BIPARTISAN COOPERATION FOR CESSATION OF COMBAT OPERATIONS IN IRAQ AND THE RETURN OF U.S. TROOPS

Whereas, The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 was passed by the U.S. Congress on October 11, 2002;

Whereas, Hundreds of thousands of members of the United States Armed Forces have served with honor and distinction in Iraq including men and women from Washtenaw County;

Whereas, The Ann Arbor City Council passed Resolution R-173-5-06 on May 5, 2006 urging the cessation of combat operations in Iraq and the return of U.S. troops and detailed the human, medical, economic and social costs at home and abroad;

Whereas, According to the Washington Post Newspaper 3,558 members of the United States Armed Forces have been killed and over 20,000 are returning home wounded;

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council urges the United States Congress to move in a bi-partisan manner to address war policies in Iraq and;

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council urges the United States Congress to re-establish its ongoing, joint authority with the President over war powers and war expenditures;

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council urges the United States Congress to use appropriations authority to protect U.S. troops by establishing conditions for their mobilization and deployment, and conditions and time-lines for their safe return home;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council urges that the United States Congress use Congressional appropriations authority to provide needed medical, financial, and educational assistance for veterans;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council urges that the United States Congress provide leadership in providing international humanitarian aid to meet non-military needs of the worlds’ people;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council urges that the United States Congress provide leadership to strengthen international cooperation in peacebuilding; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution shall be sent to President George W. Bush, Vice-President Richard Cheney, and to members of the Michigan Congressional delegation.

Submitted by Councilmembers Woods and Suarez

March 19, 2007