“President Bush is expected to announce his new Iraq strategy in an address to the nation” Wednesday at 9 pm EST. And according to the BBC, “The speech will reveal a plan to send more US troops to Iraq.”
Over the past few weeks, the media has asked members of Congress whether they support or oppose escalation.
Many are strongly opposed:
Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE): “It’s Alice in Wonderland. … I’m absolutely opposed to sending any more troops to Iraq. It is folly.” [Robert Novak column, 1/2/07]
Some are not saying where they fall either way:
Sen. John Ensign (R-NV): “Other lawmakers contacted Thursday, including Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., did not express immediate objection to a troop increase, but emphasized they did not want to prejudge the president’s strategy.” [CongressDaily, 1/5/07]
Others have given their full support to the move:
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT): “After speaking with our military commanders on the ground, I strongly believe that additional U.S. troops must be deployed to Baghdad.” [Hartford Courant, 12/21/06]
According to a tally by Think Progress, only seven lawmakers have given their public support to Bush’s escalation plan, twenty-three have come out in opposition, and fifteen have said they will withhold judgement for now.
Think Progress will be keeping tabs on who is willing to go along with Bush’s misguided plan and who is speaking out against it here. Help us keep it updated by leaving more examples in the comments. (Or send us an email).