New Iraq strategy topic of visit
By MARTIN J. KIDSTON - IR Staff Writer - 07/02/07
Sen. Tester will speak at the Capitol Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Sen. John Tester, D-Mont., will be in Helena on Tuesday to announce a new strategy for U.S. troops in the Middle East and the future of the nation’s mission in Iraq.
Tester, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, will deliver what his press camp described as a “major address” on moving forward in Iraq.
“For two years now, he’s called on the president to develop a plan to get us out of Iraq,” Tester spokesman Matt McKenna said Friday. “He no longer has the confidence the president will actually do that.”
The state’s newest senator is expected to lay out a series of proposals next Tuesday that would make U.S. troops safer in Iraq while, at the same time, start the process of bringing them home.
“We’re hopeful this plan will enjoy broad support, not just in Washington but more importantly in Montana,” McKenna said. “Tester believes it’s a Montana-type solution that’s both realistic and recognizes the deteriorating situation in Iraq, and that difficult decisions must be made.” Tester expressed disappointment in May after the president vetoed a bill providing what Democrats described as a plan to get U.S. troops out of Iraq and back to fighting terrorism.
The failed bill set a timetable for a spring 2008 withdrawal while allowing U.S. troops to continue training Iraqi security forces and conducting operations against terrorist groups.
“For four years, our troops have done everything asked of them, from ousting Saddam Hussein to securing democratic elections and policing a centuries-old civil war,” Tester said in May. “As the president continues to mismanage this war alone, we in Congress will work together to keep pushing for new direction.”
Tester has also advocated access to quality, affordable health care for all veterans.
In May, he said Veterans Affairs would begin building two new clinics in Montana, in Lewistown and Cut Bank.
At 10 a.m. next Tuesday, Tester will announce a new Small Business Administration loan program for veterans and their spouses.
Tester will then speak at the Capitol at 11 a.m., where he’ll outline his new strategy for future U.S. involvement in Iraq.
Reporter Martin Kidston can be reached at 447-4086 or at mkidston@helenair.com.
Sen. John Tester, D-Mont., will be in Helena on Tuesday to announce a new strategy for U.S. troops in the Middle East and the future of the nation’s mission in Iraq.
Tester, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, will deliver what his press camp described as a “major address” on moving forward in Iraq.
“For two years now, he’s called on the president to develop a plan to get us out of Iraq,” Tester spokesman Matt McKenna said Friday. “He no longer has the confidence the president will actually do that.”
The state’s newest senator is expected to lay out a series of proposals next Tuesday that would make U.S. troops safer in Iraq while, at the same time, start the process of bringing them home.
“We’re hopeful this plan will enjoy broad support, not just in Washington but more importantly in Montana,” McKenna said. “Tester believes it’s a Montana-type solution that’s both realistic and recognizes the deteriorating situation in Iraq, and that difficult decisions must be made.” Tester expressed disappointment in May after the president vetoed a bill providing what Democrats described as a plan to get U.S. troops out of Iraq and back to fighting terrorism.
The failed bill set a timetable for a spring 2008 withdrawal while allowing U.S. troops to continue training Iraqi security forces and conducting operations against terrorist groups.
“For four years, our troops have done everything asked of them, from ousting Saddam Hussein to securing democratic elections and policing a centuries-old civil war,” Tester said in May. “As the president continues to mismanage this war alone, we in Congress will work together to keep pushing for new direction.”
Tester has also advocated access to quality, affordable health care for all veterans.
In May, he said Veterans Affairs would begin building two new clinics in Montana, in Lewistown and Cut Bank.
At 10 a.m. next Tuesday, Tester will announce a new Small Business Administration loan program for veterans and their spouses.
Tester will then speak at the Capitol at 11 a.m., where he’ll outline his new strategy for future U.S. involvement in Iraq.
Reporter Martin Kidston can be reached at 447-4086 or at mkidston@helenair.com.
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