News from California's Border Congressman

War & Foreign Policy


Headlines

 

January 25, 2011  

Congressman Filner denounces executions and supports the Iranian people's quest for a democratic Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner strongly condemned the hangings of two prominent political prisoners, Jaafar Kazemi and Mohammad Ali Haj-Aqai on Monday and called on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to strongly denounce this heinous act.

Kazemi, 47, a political prisoner for 11 years, and Haj-Aqai, 62, a political prisoner for 7 years, were family to several residents of Camp Ashraf, home to 3,400 members of the People's Mujahedin Organization of Iran (MEK).

"The U.S. must act swiftly to join other countries in de-listing the MEK from the Foreign Terrorist Organization list because this designation is being used by the Iranian government to further justify draconian punishments on prisoners of conscience," said Congressman Filner.

Congressman Filner recently condemned attacks on Camp Ashraf residents calling for the transfer of camp security over to the United Nations and removal of 180 loud speakers and an end to the psychological torture of camp residents.

"We have a responsibility to uphold the rights under the Fourth Geneva Convention that requires protection for these individuals," said Congressman Filner.

Congressman Filner plans to reinstate the Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus in the 112th Congress. The mission of the caucus is to promote policies that support a democratic change in Iran and protect the rights of the Iranian people.

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January 7, 2011  

Congressman Filner Condemns Attack on Camp Ashraf, Calls on UN to Take Over Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner condemned attacks on Iranian exiles in Camp Ashraf, Iraq today and called on United Nations to take over security. Congressman Filner also called for the removal of 180 loud speakers and an end to the psychological torture of camp residents.

“We must in the strongest words condemn this attack on the residents of Ashraf,” said Congressman Filner. “I call upon the United Nations, President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton to end the siege of Camp Ashraf by transferring security of the camp to the United Nations. The U.S. and international community have an obligation to ensure the protection of human rights and access to life-saving medical treatments to residents in need of care. We must take action now!”

Today’s attack on Camp Ashraf comes in the wake of a Spanish Court launching a probe into the July 2009 attacks on Camp Ashraf which left 11 people dead.

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Headlines

 

September 30, 2010  

Congressman Filner Seeks to Honor Latinos’ Military Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner recently co-sponsored H.Res. 1651, a resolution honoring Latinos for their continual service and sacrifice as members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

"The long history of Latinos serving in our country’s military going all the way back to the Revolutionary War should be recognized," said Congressman Filner. "This resolution honors the past and continued contributions and sacrifices Latinos make as members of the U.S. military."

There are currently 149,411 Latinos serving as active duty members of the U.S. Armed Services. 80,051 Latinos are currently serving in the U.S. Reserves. 28,009 Latinos are currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. 466 Latinos have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and 2,007 Latinos have been wounded. 100 Latinos have lost their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom and 408 Latinos have been wounded in action.

H.Res. 1651 honors Latinos for their continued service in the U.S. Armed Forces; recognizes the past military service of Latinos who have sacrificed their lives in order to defend the freedom and democracy of the United States; commends leading Latino members of the U.S. Armed Forces for their long-time commitment to securing and defending the United States; recognizes the significant role of Latino members of the U.S. Armed Forces to the success of ongoing military operations; and urges the Secretary of Defense to support and encourage the Latino members of the U.S. Armed Forces and promote leadership amongst them.

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April 30, 2010  

Congressman Filner calls on Congress to honor 2nd Ranger Infantry Company

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner recently co-sponsored H.Res.1211, a resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) of the United States Army- the first, last, and only all-African American Ranger Company.

"Congress should honor the service and sacrifice of the members and families of the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company Airborne who fought for freedom abroad during a crucial turning point for American civil rights," stated Filner.

On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 which called for "equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without regard to race, color, religion, or national origins." However, desegregation was a slow, multi-year process, and it was those who served during the Korean War, such as the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company, who made it possible for our armed services to move towards true racial equality.

The 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) arrived at Taegu Air Force Base on December 30, 1950 where they saw their first combat action just 7 days later. In the following 8 months the members of the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company repeatedly demonstrated valor and endurance despite the brutal conditions of the Korean War, earning 9 Silver Hearts, 11 Bronze Stars, and 103 Purple Hearts before the members of the Company were gradually reassigned and integrated into the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th Ranger Companies.

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April 30, 2010  

Congressman Filner Urges End to Afghanistan War

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner recently co-sponsored new legislation to require a safe, orderly and expeditious redeployment of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

"I have long opposed funding for the war in Afghanistan, and believed that we need to find a diplomatic solution that allows our troops to come home," stated Filner. "I hope Congress will act on this legislation soon!"

The bipartisan bill, H.R. 5015, would require the president to provide a timetable for the completion of the draw down of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, including military and security-related contractors.

The bill would also increase oversight, accountability and transparency of the billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars being spent in Afghanistan. It would ensure that all U.S. funded operations and programs, including those carried out by private contractors, are subject to the audits and reviews of the relevant Inspectors General and reduces the our reliance on contractors with records of waste, fraud and abuse. A similar bill has also been introduced in the Senate.

"As the United States now increases its military presence, our troops deserve a clear mission and a clear exit strategy so that they know, once and for all, how and when they will come home to their families," said Filner.

U.S. servicemen and women have carried out a broad array of missions in Afghanistan over the past nine years, placing many in grave peril. President Barack Obama has made clear when he plans to begin withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan, and this bill would let the troops and their families know how and when he plans to bring the last soldier home.

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March 31, 2010  

Congressman Bob Filner Opposes U.S. Foreign Aid to Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Bob Filner recently joined his colleagues on a letter to the House Appropriations Committee calling for text in the Fiscal Year 2010 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill that would block aid to Saudi Arabia.

"I don’t understand why we are giving aid to Saudi Arabia when they are one of the richest nations in the world," said Filner. "This is a country that continues to train terrorists, fund terrorism and export hate. We need to stop sending aid to Saudi Arabia and use that money to invest in creating jobs here at home!"

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Headlines

 

July 10, 2009  

Congressman Bob Filner Supports the Repeal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Recently, Congressman Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 4759, a bill that would repeal the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and instruct the President to notify Canada and Mexico of the withdrawal of the United States.

“Since the implementation of NAFTA, we have seen the decline of high-paying manufacturing jobs,” said Congressman Filner. “NAFTA has dramatically hurt our economy and put too many hard-working Americans out of work!”

Since NAFTA was enacted in 1993, the United States has lost 29% of its manufacturing base. Almost 5 million jobs have left the U.S. and never returned. Before 1993, U.S. manufacturing jobs were responsible for approximately 17 million jobs. By 2009, U.S. manufacturing employment dropped to about 12 million workers.

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July 10, 2009  

Congressman Filner Votes to Rebuild Diplomacy, Relations Abroad

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner has voted to repair U.S. relations abroad and bolster diplomacy and development efforts around the globe. The State Foreign Operations Appropriations Act invests in strengthening our diplomatic corps after years of neglect and in development programs that are crucial to stabilizing key regions, fighting global pandemics, protecting our environment, and combating drug trafficking.

"Repairing America’s standing in the world is a top priority for this Congress and President Obama," said Congressman Filner. "This bill allows us to continue important investments in combating terrorism and protecting our national security, while also fulfilling our commitment to U.S. diplomacy and development efforts. A balanced foreign policy must address both."

In an effort to combat terrorism and protect our security, the State Foreign Operations Appropriations Act includes significant funding to help stabilize and strengthen the key countries of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It also invests in development programs that help bring education systems, food security, and agricultural development assistance, as well as safe drinking water, to under-developed communities around the world.

The bill maintains our commitment to programs that help save lives overseas and protect the health of Americans here at home by boosting funding for global public health infrastructure. It increases funding for programs that fight against serious diseases like HIV/AIDS and the global flu pandemic as well as programs that support maternal and child health and family planning.

"Over the last eight years, our diplomacy efforts have been severely underfunded and our global reputation has suffered," said Congressman Filner. "That’s why this legislation is so crucial to rebuilding our image and standing in the international community."

The bill also includes funding for climate change initiatives that will help protect our environment, counter-narcotics programs that help combat drug trafficking and transnational crime from Mexico and Central America, and United Nations peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Congo, Liberia, Haiti, and Lebanon.

In an effort to maintain fiscal responsibility and an honest budget process, this legislation also seeks to end the reliance on supplemental appropriations to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing an upfront and transparent accounting of the resources needed to fund our foreign policy and national security interests.

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June 10, 2009  

Congressman Filner Votes to Repair U.S. Foreign Relations, Bolster Diplomacy and Development Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Bob Filner voted in favor of a bill to help repair damaged U.S. relations with other nations by reinvigorating diplomacy and development efforts abroad. The Foreign Relations Authorization Act passed by the House earlier today will supply President Obama with the tools and resources he needs to carry out a new foreign policy.

"There is no question that America’s international reputation took a hit under Bush Administration policies," said Rep. Filner. "Our diplomacy and development efforts, in particular, were significantly neglected. With this legislation, we are furthering our strategic interests by helping to repair our standing in the world, and providing much-needed security and service programs to troubled regions."

The Foreign Relations Authorization Act will help close the "diplomacy gap" that has come from years of under-resourcing the State Department. The bill provides resources to fill an additional 1,500 posts in the Foreign Service over the next two years. In addition, it will help fund important work in the areas of arms control, nuclear nonproliferation, peacekeeping, financial commitments to international organizations, Peace Corps funding and oversight, anti-drug trafficking initiatives and oversight of U.S. security assistance.

"Our State Department is tasked with the tremendous responsibility of improving our image in the world and carrying out crucial programs in every corner of the globe," said Rep. Filner. "This bill gives our Foreign Service the critical resources it needs to carry out these demanding tasks."

The legislation is supported by a broad coalition, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, faith-based groups, humanitarian NGO’s like Oxfam and CARE and the National Peace Corps Association.

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June 18, 2009  

Congressmen Filner, Rohrabacher - Statement on Iran's Recent Presidential Elections

Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) is co-chair of the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus with Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA). The following is their joint statement concerning Iran’s recent presidential elections:

Following the June 12th election, the Iranian people have taken to the streets to protest the disputed presidential election, despite a violent response on the part of the Iranian government.

As the co-chairs of the Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus (IHRDC), we stand in solidarity with the brave youth, students, and women of Iran who for the past few days so unequivocally rejected the oppressive government ruling over them, and look for a secular, democratic and non-nuclear Iran. We join with the Iranian dissidents, and recognize that the demonstrations in Iran reflect the general will of the Iranian people.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s "re-election" will surely lead to a rise in suppression of the Iranian people and purge the opponents within the government itself. It will also hasten Iran’s drive towards nuclear capability. The IHRDC condemns the brutal and inhumane suppressive measures being utilized by the Iranian government. In unison with the Iranian dissents, we also reject the fraudulent outcome of Iranian presidential election.

The IHRDC caucus calls on policymakers and the international community to take a decisive stance towards the Iranian government in its entirety and its atrocious violations of human rights. The IHRDC also supports meetings of Iranian pro-democracy advocates outside of Iran, including the annual Iranian Convention in support of a secular non-nuclear republic Iran that will take place In Paris on June 20, 2009.

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Headlines

 

July 29, 2008  

Filner Scores 100 Percent In Peacekeeping and National Security Policy Making

Congressman Bob Filner was recently awarded high marks on national security issues, according to Peace Action West, the nation's largest peace group. The group's latest report on congressional voting records shows Filner scored 100 percent for his votes on the war in Iraq, diplomacy with Iran, and strategic military spending and military aid.

Congressman Filner said, "I was honored to receive a perfect score from Peace Action West, and I am glad that they have dedicated themselves to informing the public and holding lawmakers accountable to their constituents. As you know, promoting American security interests abroad does not always mean a vote for war - it means knowing when to go to war, when not to and when to bring our troops home."

"Our soldiers have fought hard in Iraq for five years, but the politicians in DC have still not established a clear strategy for success," stated Jon Rainwater, Peace Action West's Executive Director. "Congressman Filner is one leader who fights for policies that will make Americans safer, and not just drain our wallets and send our sons and daughters into harms way."

Filner's high score includes two votes against an endless funding for war, a vote against a permanent base in Iraq, a vote for responsible redeployment from Iraq, a vote for prohibiting funding for a permanent base in Iraq, and a vote for legislation that asserted that the president couldn't attack Iran without Congress's approval. Filner received an 85 percent score from the group in the prior year.

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July 3, 2008  

Filner Urges President to Lead Diplomatic Action Against Iranian Nuclear Proliferation

Congressman Bob Filner recently announced his co-sponsorship of H.Con.Res. 362, expressing the sense of Congress that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and regional dominance poses a serious threat to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and the national security interests of the United States and our close ally, Israel.

The resolution calls on President Bush to put pressure on Iran to verifiably suspend its nuclear enrichment activities, to lead a forceful effort at regional diplomacy to support legitimate governments against Iranian efforts to destabilize them, and to make clear to Iran that the United States will protect America's vital national security interests in the Middle East.

"Under the current administration, America’s international influence has eroded dramatically. We must take immediate action to reaffirm our global leadership, reassure our allies that the United States will protect their best interests, and promote tolerance and stability," said Congressman Filner. "I believe that if the President took the actions proscribed here, we could reduce nuclear proliferation and terrorism."

Iran has repeatedly affirmed its dedication to obtaining nuclear weapons and to bring about the destruction of Israel, even though it pledged to remain a non-nuclear power when it ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and is legally bound to declare and place all its nuclear activity under the scrutiny of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). For nearly 20 years, Iran has violated the NPT, operating a covert nuclear program, and it continues to develop its capacity for nuclear enrichment and ballistic missile technology. The United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have offered a significant package of incentives if Iran suspends uranium enrichment, but Iran has refused such offers.

A 2007 National Intelligence Estimate revealed that Iran could have enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon as soon as late 2009. Iran has supported several terrorist groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah, and its close ties to Syria raise the possibility that Iran could share its nuclear materials and technology with others.

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May 23, 2008  

Filner Requests Attorney General Investigation of Bush Administration’s Use of Torture

Congressman Bob Filner recently joined more than thirty of his colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Michael Mukasey urging the appointment of a special counsel to investigate whether the Bush Administration’s policies regarding the interrogation of detainees have violated federal criminal laws.

"The Bush Administration’s use of so-called ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ against detainees warrants an investigation," said Congressman Filner. "The United States of America should never use torture!"

The letter states that an investigation is warranted in light of recent comments made by President Bush, which confirm that Vice President Cheney, then National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, and other members of his Cabinet met in the White House, with the President’s approval, to discuss and approve interrogation techniques, including water boarding, against detainees.

Congress is already aware of the pattern of abuse against detainees under the Bush Administration. Evidence from Abu Ghraib, the Guantanamo Bay Detention facility, and an independent investigation by the International Committee of the Red Cross discovered several instances of acts of torture against detainees, including soaking a prisoner’s hand in alcohol and lighting it on fire, leaving little doubt that the United States government has condoned torture.

Congressman Filner and his colleagues believe that these events, along with the President’s recent admission, justify an immediate investigation to determine the full scope of the Administration’s actions and whether measures taken by the President and his Cabinet are in violation of the War Crimes Act (18 U.S.C. 2441), the Anti-Torture Act, (18 U.S.C. 2340-2340A), and other U.S. and international laws.

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May 13, 2008  

Congressman Filner Wants Iranian Opposition Group Taken Off Watch List

Jodi Breisler


San Diego Congressman Bob Filner wants an Iranian opposition group to be taken off the U.S. list of terror organizations. Jodi Breisler reports from Capitol Hill.

The People's Mujahdeen of Iran is dedicated to the overthrow of the Iranian government. They've been banned by the State Department for over ten years. Filner says it's time to take them off the list.

Filner: I'm convinced they have a pro-democratic, secular, non-nuclear answer for the people of Iran. That fits in with what we want so why are we not helping them or at least not stopping them from achieving their objectives?

Being on the list means the group cannot receive financial support from Americans including San Diego's Iranian community. Although the group was considered violent, Filner says they have disarmed. Their status will be reviewed by the State Department in October.

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May 1, 2008  

Filner Statement on 5th Anniversary of "Mission Accomplished" Banner

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Filner today released the following statement on the 5th Anniversary of President Bush’s "Mission Accomplished" speech and banner on board the U.S.S. Lincoln aircraft carrier:

On the 5 year Anniversary of the President’s misguided ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech, he is no more in touch with the realities in Iraq than he is with the American people! While families are struggling to make ends meet at home, the War in Iraq is extended indefinitely, and the cost—both in people and dollars—continues to grow.

While the nation faces significant new challenges, the President remains unresponsive. His economic policies have benefited very few, while the quality of life for the majority of Americans has deteriorated, creating a culture of inequality. In this time of war and economic upheaval, we must pursue new policies to end conflict and create opportunities for everyone.

President Bush and his Republican friends in Congress seem to be content with a War that has cost an incredible amount of lives, injuries, and resources. Without the support or action of the Iraqi people, we are left where we started—mired in an unsustainable, un-winnable War. After over 5 years of occupation, we have mourned the loss of thousands of fallen American heroes and countless Iraqi civilians, a heartrending reminder of the cost of war. We are spending 1 billion dollars every 2 days! The War in Iraq is the product of misguided policy, which has failed miserably, and should be reversed immediately.

As Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I am extremely concerned about the hundreds of thousands of veterans returning from the War, many of whom suffer from severe injuries including Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder—two conditions that require extensive and costly treatment. It is time to genuinely support our troops and bring them home!

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March 25, 2008  

Time to Genuinely Support Our Troops and Bring Them Home

As the War in Iraq is extended indefinitely, the cost—both in people and dollars—continues to grow. Today, after 5 years of occupation, we mourn the loss of over 4,000 fallen American heroes and countless Iraqi civilians, a heartrending reminder of the cost of war. We are spending 1 billion dollars every 2 days! The War in Iraq is the product of misguided policy, which has failed miserably, and should be reversed immediately. As Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I am extremely concerned about the hundreds of thousands of veterans returning from the War, many of whom suffer from severe injuries including Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder—two conditions that require extensive and costly treatment. It is time to genuinely support our troops and bring them home!

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January 16, 2008  

Filner Opposes Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia

Yesterday, upon arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President Bush formally notified Congress of his intent to sell $123 million worth of some of the United States' most advanced weapons and technology to the Saudis. The package is part of a larger $20 billion arms sale.

To prevent the arms sale to Saudi Arabia, a bi-partisan coalition of 53 Members of Congress, including Congressman Bob Filner, today introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to stop the deal from moving forward.

"I am extremely concerned that our military technology could fall into the wrong hands and be used against us or our allies," stated Filner. "We must stop the spread of dangerous weapons around the world."

Congress may reject any large arms sale according to the Arms Control Export Act of 1976, under which the President is required to officially notify Congress of an impending arms deal. Congress then has 30 days to consider the proposed deal.

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January 9, 2008  

One Year after President’s Announcement of Surge, Iraqis Remain No Closer to a Political Solution

President’s Iraq Policies Continue to Offer Only a $2 Trillion, 10-Year War

SAN DIEGO, CA – With the anniversary of the President’s announcement of the surge of U.S. troops in Iraq occurring tomorrow, Congressman Bob Filner (CA-51) pointed out, "A year after it was announced, it is clear that the primary objective of the surge – enhancing security to enable the Iraqi government to obtain political reconciliation – has not been achieved."

When the President announced the surge in January 2007, Congressional Democrats warned that Iraqi political leaders would not take the necessary steps to achieve a political resolution to the sectarian problems in Iraq until they understood that the U.S. commitment was not open-ended. By sending the opposite message, the surge risked our troops for short-term security improvements that would not be matched by the political actions necessary to end the war. Unfortunately, the President chose to ignore this warning.

"America has the finest military in the world and there was never any doubt that adding U.S. troops would improve security in certain Iraqi neighborhoods," said Congressman Filner. "Our troops have performed their duties magnificently. We owe them the deepest gratitude for their courage and sacrifices. But the commitment of the Iraqi government to political progress has never matched the willingness of our troops to risk their lives to improve security."

A year ago, the President outlined several important benchmarks for the Iraqi government. He said Iraq would hold provincial elections. He said the Iraqi government would pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis. And he said Iraq would pass de-Baathification laws and constitutional reforms. And yet not one of these benchmarks has been met.

Instead, the past year was the most lethal year yet for American troops – with more than 900 brave Americans killed. They died in support of an Iraqi government that shows little interest in progress.

The lack of political progress by the Iraqi government calls into question the core rationale behind the troop surge. Indeed, senior U.S. military commanders now portray the intransigence of Iraq’s government as the key threat facing the U.S. effort in Iraq.

"Rather than demanding continued support for his $2 trillion, 10-year war, the President must work with Congress to implement an orderly and responsible redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq – finally making clear to the Iraqi government that the future of Iraq lies in their hands," said Congressman Filner. "Brave Americans must stop dying for an Iraqi government that refuses to make the tough decisions necessary to create a future Iraq that is stable and secure."

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Headlines

 

November 8, 2007  

Filner Supports Bill to End Use of Private Security Firms in Iraq

Rep. Bob Filner of San Diego is backing legislation to replace private security contractors in Iraq with military or State Department guards.

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October 12, 2007  

Congressman Filner Protests Blackwater

Congressman Bob Filner recently joined protestors at the Rally and One Mile Walk to stop Blackwater West from building a training facility in Potrero, California. Filner declared, "Blackwater is a Black Stain on American Democracy!"

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September 26, 2007  

Filner Introduces Bill to Eliminate Mercenary Training Camps

On Monday, Congressman Bob Filner (CA-51) introduced legislation that would require that mercenary training, including paramilitary-style training by federal contractors, be conducted only on property owned by the federal government. Blackwater USA, a private military security contractor, already operates two private paramilitary-style training facilities: one in Moyock, North Carolina and the other in Mount Carroll, Illinois. Blackwater USA is also seeking to open a third facility in Potrero, California, which is located in Congressman Filner’s district.

Introducing the bill (H.R. 3649), Filner stated: "It is outrageous to allow private individuals or corporations to establish private military bases anywhere in the United States! The paramilitary-style training conducted at these facilities has no place in our backyards."

Filner also believes that the federal government and U.S. military have become too reliant on private security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan. "We must stop this trend," he stated. "In the meantime, H.R. 3649 would require government contractors, like Blackwater USA, to train only on property owned by the federal government, such as our military bases."

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September 6, 2007  

Congressman Filner Speaks Out Against the Iraq War

Congressman Bob Filner recently spoke out against the Iraq War at the "Out of Iraq" Rally in Horton Plaza. The Congressman said, "We cannot allow our troops to suffer for a failed policy. We must bring them home now!"

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September 7, 2007  

From Battlefield to U.S. Hospitals, Congressman Filner Travels With Wounded American Troops

Congressman Bob Filner recently traveled to Iraq, where he and Secretary Nicholson, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, followed the path of wounded soldiers as they travel from the battlefield, through Germany, and back to the United States. Congressman Filner was tremendously impressed by the capabilities, professionalism and heroism of our Nation’s soldiers.

Pictured here with the Congressman are Imperial Valley natives (from left), Command Sergeant Major Jorge Ortiz, El Centro, and Master Sergeant Gilberto Pompa, Brawley.

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June 18, 2007  

Filner Supports Bill to Sunset Iraq War Authorization

Today, Congressman Bob Filner announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 2605, legislation that would sunset the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243).

"I voted 'no' on the original resolution to authorize the war, because I did not believe it would make our nation any safer," stated Congressman Filner. "Today, more than ever, I know that was the right vote. It is time for Congress to bring an end to the disastrous war in Iraq."

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