The U.S. Senate voted 75 to 23 today to pass Delaware Sen. Joe Biden’s amendment that provides for regional autonomy within a federal system. The amendment also calls for the support of the United nations and Iraq’s neighbors to help implement an end to the civil war.
Speaking on behalf of his eight colleagues in the Iowa Legislature who have endorsed Delaware Sen. Joe Biden for president, Iowa House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy issued the following statement regarding the Senate vote:
“Joe Biden’s leadership on Iraq is the central reason why I endorsed him for president. Today, in a truly historic moment, the United States Senate passed an amendment sponsored by Sen. Joe Biden that puts forth a political solution to end the war in Iraq. Sen. Biden’s persistent leadership on ending the war finally gives Americans hope that the United States can put itself on track to leave Iraq without leaving chaos behind in the region. The overwhelming bipartisan support of the amendment – which both Senators Harkin and Grassley voted for – underscores Sen. Biden’s ability to unify our leaders on the most important issue facing the country.
“Today’s vote resulted in an overwhelming 75-23 majority, with over half of the Senate’s Republicans joining Democrats in support of Biden’s amendment. For over a year and a half, Sen. Joe Biden has been promoting a political solution in Iraq based on a federal government called for in the Iraqi constitution. His plan calls for a decentralized, federal system in Iraq, which would give its people local control over the fabric of their daily lives, including police, jobs, education and government services.
“In recent weeks, nine Iowa legislators have endorsed Joe Biden for President. While we all may have some varying reasons for doing so, we share one common belief and that is that Joe Biden is uniquely qualified to end this war in Iraq. Time and time again throughout his 35-year career in the Senate, he has rolled up his sleeves, worked across the aisle, and brought people to a consensus. Today was just another example of his ability to be a true leader. The Senator’s ongoing leadership and victory today in the Senate will translate well with Iowa caucus-goers.”
McCarthy is joined by eight Iowa legislators in his support of Biden: Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), Speaker Pro Tempore Polly Bukta (Clinton), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo) Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), and Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids).
