Deauthorization Vote Falls Short

Deauthorization Vote Falls Short

But at least they had a vote on deauthorizing the war. 171 to 255.

This is the more politically acceptable version of Stop The War Now. The Kucinich approach of immediate defunding isn't viable because of the stripped-soldier-ad image, the notion that cutting off money strands troops. Only a dozen or so members are willing to go that far. But de-authorizing doesn't imply stranding, and doesn't leave that argument open,. It's a cleaner End It Now message.

Iowans: Loebsack and Braley are yes. Will that quiet teh Loebsack critics who want him on the Defund Now approach? Perhaps they should look instead to Leonard Boswell, who joined King and Latham in voting no on deauthorization. Only two Republicans vote no, and one is presidential contender Ron Paul.

UPDATE: Subsequent vote passes 221-205 for the two months of funding and benchmarks plan. Ten Dems vote no, mostly from the Not Another Penny perspective.