Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced her support for a new Joint Resolution that would revise U.S. policy on Iraq.

“This is an effective next step.  It is binding.  It indicates our support for the troops,” Senator Feinstein said.  “But it also forcefully lays out the goal of transitioning of the mission and a redeployment of forces out of Iraq by March 31 2008.  For the first time, it brings to the fore of public policy the mandate for a comprehensive diplomatic, political and economic strategy with all of Iraq’s neighbors.”

The joint resolution builds on the longstanding Democratic position on Iraq and indicates that the current conflict in Iraq requires a political solution, Iraq must take responsibility for its own future, and our troops should not be policing a civil war.

The joint resolution:

• Contains binding language to direct the President to transition the mission for U.S. forces in Iraq and begin their phased redeployment within 120 days with a goal of redeploying all combat forces by March 31, 2008.
• Allows for a limited number of troops to remain for the purposes of force protection, training and equipping Iraqi troops, and targeted counter-terror operations.