Frank Wolf's Record on Iraq

With General Devid Petraeus presenting his long-anticipated report on the Iraq surge, the question for 10th district voters is, "How well do we really know the Frank Wolf of today (as opposed to 10, 20 years ago)?" Another question: "Is Wolf still an independently minded moderate, or has he become just another rubber stamp for George W. Bush?" Let's look at his record on the Iraq War for evidence.

*In October 2002, Wolf voted for President Bush’s resolution allowing him to declare war on Iraq.

*In 2003, Wolf voted against a Democratic amendment that required normal competitive bidding procedures be followed in procurement using funds appropriated for Iraq’s oil infrastructure. This measure was aimed at Halliburton, Vice President Dick Cheney’s old company, which received a no-bid contract for oil work in Iraq even before the United States invaded. Wolf sided with Halliburton and against the American taxpayer.

*In May 2004, Wolf voted against a motion calling for the establishment of a select committee to investigate the treatment of detainees in the global war on terrorism, including all allegations of abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

*In 2005, Wolf voted against an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill calling for President Bush to present a plan to Congress to bring the troops home from Iraq.

*In 2005, Wolf voted against an amendment to establish a select committee to investigate reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, including contracting procedures, protection against money laundering, and the allocation of contracts to foreign companies and small businesses.

*In May 2005, Wolf voted against an amendment expressing the sense of Congress that the President should develop a plan for the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq, and submit this plant to the congressional defense committees.

*In November 2005, Wolf voted to kill a bid by Democrats for the House to begin conducting oversight hearings into a wide range of administration actions and policies relating to the war in Iraq.

Are these the actions of an independent-minded representative? How about one who listens to the wishes of his constituents, the majority of whom voted in 2006 for the U.S. Senate candidate opposed to the war in Iraq? Think about it.