IIA 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. J. RES. 33 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2006 Mr. Kerry introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations JOINT RESOLUTION To provide for a strategy for successfully empowering a new unity government in Iraq.

Whereas the men and women of the Armed Forces have performed with valor, honor, and courage in Iraq; Whereas Iraq can only achieve stability with a national unity government embraced by Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds; Whereas the President stated on March 21, 2006, that a national unity government is necessary to achieve our objective in Iraq; Whereas on December 15, 2005, the people of Iraq elected their first permanent government since the 2003 invasion by choosing a representative assembly; Whereas the newly elected leaders in Iraq have yet to form a government of national unity which is necessary for a sustainable political solution; Whereas the creation of a government of national unity will constitute an important benchmark in transferring political responsibilities to the people of Iraq; Whereas former Prime Minister of Iraq, Iyad Allawi, stated on March 19, 2006, that there is currently a civil war taking place in Iraq; Whereas in order to find a political solution that is necessary to undermine the insurgency, end sectarian violence, and bring stability to Iraq, the people of Iraq must reach a comprehensive agreement that includes forming a unity government, security guarantees, disbanding the militias, and a process for reviving the reconstruction efforts and securing the borders of Iraq; Whereas reaching a comprehensive agreement that will help bring stability to Iraq is in the best interests of our allies, members of the Arab League, the neighbors of Iraq, and the international community; Whereas our allies, members of the Arab League, the neighbors of Iraq, and the international community, represented by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, can assist in the process of bringing about such a comprehensive agreement; Whereas bringing the leaders of the factions in Iraq together at a summit that includes our allies, members of the Arab League, the neighbors of Iraq, and representatives of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council would provide a necessary and appropriate forum for reaching such a comprehensive agreement; Whereas the commander of the Multinational Forces-Iraq, General George Casey, testified before the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate on September 29, 2005, that [i]ncreased coalition presence feeds the notion of occupation … contributes to the dependency of Iraqi security forces on the coalition … [and] … extends the amount of time that it will take for Iraqi security forces to become self-reliant; Whereas General Casey also said that [r]educing the visibility and, ultimately, the presence of coalition forces as we transition to Iraqi security self-reliance remains a key element of our overall counterinsurgency strategy; Whereas the overwhelming majority of Iraqis want United States forces to withdraw from Iraq; Whereas the Armed Forces have established a training program for the security forces of Iraq that continues to make possible the assumption of security responsibilities by such security forces; and Whereas the withdrawal of United States forces under a schedule agreed upon with the new government of Iraq would strengthen and legitimize that government, enable the people of Iraq to become more self-reliant, and undermine support for the insurgency in Iraq: Now, therefore, be it

That— (1)the President should immediately convene a summit that includes leaders in Iraq, the allies of the United States, members of the Arab League, the neighbors of Iraq, and representatives of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to reach a comprehensive political agreement for Iraq that includes forming a unity government, security guarantees, disbanding the militias, and a process for reviving reconstruction efforts and securing the borders of Iraq; (2)United States forces shall be withdrawn from Iraq at the earliest practicable date if Iraqis fail to form a national unity government by May 15, 2006; (3)if Iraqis form a national unity government by May 15, 2006— (A)the United States should reach agreement as soon as possible with such government on a schedule for the withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq, leaving only forces critical to completing the mission of standing up security forces of Iraq; and (B)the President shall— (i)consult with Congress on the schedule referred to in subparagraph (A); and (ii)present such withdrawal agreement to Congress immediately upon its completion; and (4)redeployment of United States forces to rear guard, garrisoned status in Iraq for security back-up, training, and emergency response in Iraq should be accelerated.