House votes on amendments to rein in military budget, wars

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Pentagon’s gargantuan $649 billion budget, at a time when other departments are facing draconian cuts.

Many representatives used the bill as an opportunity to offer amendments cutting the military budget and ending the wars in Afghanistan and Libya. Thanks to all of you who took the time to call your representative in support of these important amendments.

Some highlights with links to see how your representative voted:

Military spending 

• Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) offered an amendment to limit the number of US troops permanently stationed in Europe to 30,000. Failed, 113-307.
• Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) led a group supporting an amendment to cut the Pentagon’s increase in half, by $8.5 billion. Failed, 181-244.
• Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) offered an amendment to freeze the Pentagon budget at 2011 levels, cutting $17 billion. Failed, 135-290.
• Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) offered an amendment to cut a $5 billion Pentagon “slush fund.” Failed, 114-314.
• Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) offered an amendment to cut $297 million in funds for a new nuclear bomber. Failed, 98-322.

Afghanistan

• Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) offered an amendment that would have cut funding for the war by $33 billion, leaving enough money for the safe and responsible withdrawal of US troops. Failed, 97-322.
• Rep. John Garamendi’s (D-CA) amendment would have cut $20 billion from war funding, mandating that there be no more than 25,000 troops on the ground in Afghanistan by the end of 2012. Failed, 133-295.

Libya

• There were several amendments offered to cut funding for operations in Libya. The one that received the most yea votes was offered by Reps. Kucinich (D-OH) and Amash (R-MI). Failed, 199-229.
• The House passed an amendment offered by Rep. Cole (R-OK) prohibiting military assistance to the rebel forces in Libya. Passed, 225-201.