Which Has Met More US Congressional Goals: Iraq or the US Congress (Hint, not the US)

The Volokh Conspiracy ^ | July 2, 2008 at 11:24pm | Jim Lindgren,

[enough_idiocy]

Which Has Met More US Congressional Goals: Iraq or the US Congress?-- In the most recent report on political goals for Iraq, it appears that 15 of 18 benchmarks set by the US Congress have been met.

On page 8 of the Washington Post’s news section today, we learn that, according to the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq has met all but three of the 18 original benchmarks set by Congress. The only three that have not met are (a) enacting and implementing laws governing the oil industry (though it’s not clear why formal laws are necessary), (2) disarmament of militia and insurgent groups, and (3) making the Iraqi police more professional.

The Post hastens to add, however, that other recent assessments find that Iraq has failed to achieve “many of the goals that the Baghdad government and President Bush said would be reached by the end of 2007.”

This would seem to compare with progress on the political goals that the Democratic Congress set for itself in 2006. Remember its “Six for ‘06” proposal made in the summer of 2006:

Six for '06

Congressional Democrats believe America should work for everyone — not just those at the top - by building opportunity and prosperity for all, and guaranteeing real security at home and around the world. We know that Americans can work together to meet the serious challenges facing our country, create a stronger nation, and build a safer world.

With a firm commitment to honest leadership and tough budget discipline to end record deficit spending, we propose a legislative agenda — A New Direction — that unites rather than divides our country. Beginning with our goal of an America that strives for the common good, these are our legislative priorities in the 109th Congress for a New Direction.

1. Real Security at Home and Overseas

Reclaim American leadership with a tough, smart plan to transform failed Bush Administration policies in Iraq, the Middle East and around the world. Require the Iraqis to take responsibility for their country and begin the phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq in 2006. Double the size of Special Forces to destroy Osama Bin Laden and terrorist networks like al Qaeda. Rebuild a state-of-the-art military capable of projecting power wherever necessary. Implement the bipartisan 9/11 Commission proposal to secure America's borders and ports and screen 100% of containers. Fully man, train, and equip our National Guard and our police, firefighters and other first responders. Honor our commitments to our veterans.

2. Better American Jobs — Better Pay

Prohibit the Congressional pay raise until the nation's minimum wage is raised. End tax giveaways that reward companies for moving American jobs overseas.

3. College Access for All

Make college tuition deductible from taxes, permanently. Cut student loan interest rates. Expand Pell Grants.

4. Energy Independence — Lower Gas Prices

Free America from dependence on foreign oil and create a cleaner environment with initiatives for energy-efficient technologies and domestic alternatives such as biofuels. End tax giveaways to Big Oil companies and enact tough laws to stop price gouging.

5. Affordable Health Care — Life-Saving Science . . .

6. Retirement Security and Dignity . . .

THE WRONG DIRECTION

The policies of the Bush Administration and the Congressional majority have taken the country in the wrong direction, making us less secure and putting the privileged few ahead of the common good. . . .

4. Rising Energy Prices

Gas over $3 per gallon; growing dependence on foreign oil; billions in new subsidies for oil and gas companies despite record profits; blocked efforts against price gouging; opposed energy efficient technology and alternative fuels.

Here is the Speaker Pelosi's page that claims success for some of the New Direction proposals promised in "Six for '06":

First minimum wage increase in 10 years

9/11 Commission recommendations to screen all air cargo and overseas port cargo, improving communications between first responders

Tough rules to establish highest ethical standards in Congressional history

Most sweeping lobby and ethics reform in a generation, hailed by reform groups as “landmark reform” and “a sea of change”

Pay-as-you-go budget discipline restored to end six years of deficit spending

Fiscal discipline that produces a balanced budget by 2012

A comprehensive Innovation and Competitiveness agenda to double basic research & development and reinvest in math and science education

Emergency funding to support and equip troops, including tripling Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Iraq

Tighter rules against foreign investment that weaken national security, after the Dubai Ports scandal

Reduction of backlog on passports after 9/11 requirement through hiring boost

Benchmarks and progress report required on Iraq

Emergency assistance to protect children’s health coverage . . .

The reduction in gas prices and increase in energy independence promised by Congress are some of the noteworthy exceptions to its somewhat spotty record of accomplishment.

[enough_idiocy]

The author is generous in suggesting Congress has met any of its six for 06 goals.

[bray]

Give Iraq a little credit. Comparing them to Do Nothing Nancy’s is an insult.
Why would we ask the idiots who got us into the Oil crisis, to get us out?

Pray for W and Our Troops

[Straight Vermonter]

3. College Access for All

Make college tuition deductible from taxes, permanently. Cut student loan interest rates. Expand Pell Grants.

Why not set a maximum price level for college funding? For example if the cost of tuition plus room & board at a school is greater than $20k/yr then that school and its students are no longer eligible for federal monies. Of course schools can set whatever prices they like and students can elect to attend whatever schools they like. I would guess, however, that most students would choose to go to a reasonably priced school and I suspect schools would then work hard to keep prices down.

[enough_idiocy]

I like to see the Democrats attack their union well paid professors the way they attack Big Oil and others. These people make six figures, have sweet deals, can’t be fired, and the cost increases year after year after year. Threaten federal take over, pay freezes, etc. on these guys too.