January 26, 2006: NORTON RELEASES D.C. RESULTS ON IRAQ WAR AND SPENDING PRIORITIES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2006
NORTON RELEASES D.C. RESULTS ON IRAQ WAR AND SPENDING PRIORITIES FROM SPEAK OUT FOR RESIDENTS WITHOUT A VOTE
Washington, DC— As the second session of the 109th Congress convenes next week, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released the results of a survey on The War in Iraq and U.S. Spending Priorities completed by residents who attended Norton’s Emergency Speak Out on the War and Our National Priorities on Capitol Hill last month. The survey showed that 51% of those in attendance want to withdraw U.S. troops and end the war at the earliest possible date, while 40% suggested that troops should be withdrawn on a suggested timetable. Survey participants also chose funding Medicaid, no Medicaid child cuts and spending on welfare and child care as the three top choices among nine in the survey of spending priorities.
Norton said that the results will help shape her ideas as she speaks out for D.C. citizens who have lost residents in the war but have no vote on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Norton asked residents to speak out on the two great issues facing the Congress: (1) What should the next steps be on the Iraq War, and (2) Given the prospect of both continuing tax cuts going mostly to corporations and the wealthy and cuts in vital domestic programs, what should be the country’s domestic spending priorities? Norton’s strong opposition to the invasion of Iraq, which, she said “occurred when the U.N. inspectors were pleading for more time to find weapons of mass destruction,” is well known to her constituents. However, in the call to the Speak Out, Norton stressed that residents should come regardless of their views.
In her constituent newsletter to be sent to D.C. homes next week, Norton also is asking residents to email their views on the war and spending priorities through the web site for some responses to be posted at a later date.
The survey results follow.
WHAT SHOULD BE NEXT U.S. STEPS ON THE WAR?
Withdraw troops and end the war at the earliest possible date. | 51% | |
Establish timetables and leave within how many months/years? | 40% | Suggestions: 3 months, 6 months, 8 months, 1 year, 2 years |
Stay as long as necessary to help Iraqis stabilize their government and handle insurgents. | 9% |
WHAT SHOULD U.S. SPENDING PRIORITIES BE?
Priority | Issue Area |
1st | Fund Medicaid Benefits |
2nd | No Medicaid Child Cuts |
3rd | Fund Welfare & Child Care |
4th | Fund Child Support |
5th | Fund Food Stamps |
6th | Fund Low Income Heating |
7th | Fund Foster Care |
8th | Fund Student Loans |
9th | No Alaska ANWR Oil Drilling |
Click here for what residents had to say on the War.