Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts joined Senate Republicans in blocking an up-or-down vote on a resolution condemning the President,s escalation of the war in Iraq. By blocking debate, Senate Republicans are running from the most important policy discussion facing America. By excluding debate, it is just another rubber stamp from the Republican Party for the Presidents failing policies. Representatives in Washington have a responsibility to uphold an open, fair and democratic process - not hide behind failed policies and closed debate.

The November elections showed an overwhelming call for change, both of which the President and Senate have ignored. Kansans deserve to know how our Senators stand on this proposed surge and the state of the course in Iraq. Senators Brownback and Roberts have denied Kansans the right to be heard.

The President,s plan in Iraq has been condemned from all sides. Military leaders, including Generals Colin Powell, George Casey, and James Conaway have come out against the war in Iraq. Powell appearing on Face the Nation said that, "I am not persuaded that another surge of troops into Baghdad for purposes of suppressing this communitarian violence, this civil war, will work." [Face the Nation, CBS, 12/17/06]

Around the country, people are voicing their concern over both the strategy in Iraq and the inability of Congressional Republicans to take a stand and vote. Below are articles from media outlets nationwide, detailing the lack of candor on the part of Republicans.

Senate GOP blocks Iraq resolution [Washington Times, 2/6/06]

G.O.P. Senators Block Debate on Iraq Policy [New York Times, 2/6/06]

Vote on Iraq is blocked by GOP [USA Today, 2/6/06]

GOP blocks Iraq debate [Denver Post, 2/6/06]

Republicans Block Senate Debate on Iraq [Reuters, 2/6/06]

GOP bats down resolution debate [Los Angeles Times, 2/6/06]

To see the full vote on the resolution, click here