WASHINGTON, D.C. -Last night Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore) voted with a majority of the House for passage of H.R.4156, the "Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act," which requires the President to redeploy US forces within 30 days of enactment, requires a transition in the mission of US forces in Iraq from primarily combat to force and diplomatic protection, and prohibits deployment of any troops not fully equipped and trained.

"Over and over again, in votes, pledges and public statements, I have opposed all war funding bills that do not require withdrawal of our troops from Iraq," said Congressman Blumenauer. "The bill I voted for does just that by requiring the President to begin redeploying U.S. troops within 30 days. It also contains important provisions to prevent torture and ensure that our troops are fully equipped and trained. Despite the President's veto threat, I am pleased that Congress is saying we will only fund an end to this war, not its continuation. Bringing this nightmare to a quick and responsible close remains my highest priority."

Congressman Blumenauer has opposed the Iraq war from the start. In January he introduced his own legislation, "The New Direction for Iraq Act of 2007," which would require the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, a new diplomatic offensive to stabilize Iraq and aggressive efforts at oversight and accountability.