S.Amdt. 3013

1. Adds SEC. 1535. RESPONSIBLE REDUCTION OF UNITED STATES FORCES IN IRAQ at the end of subtitle C of title XV

   Adds a section

   Inserted: SEC. 1535. RESPONSIBLE REDUCTION OF UNITED STATES FORCES IN IRAQ.

   Inserted: (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:

   Inserted: (1) The precipitous withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq would have dangerous consequences for the national security of the United States and our allies, including the potential for destabilization of the Middle East region, the disintegration of United States relations with United States allies in the region, the endangerment of vital energy supplies in the region, and irreparable damage to the credibility of the United States throughout the world.

   Inserted: (2) The United States must remain engaged in Iraq and the Middle East region for the foreseeable future to protect our national security interests.

   Inserted: (3) There are limits on the forces the United States has available for deployment, and those limits necessitate a reduction in United States forces in Iraq.

   Inserted: (4) General Petraeus has stated that a reduction in United States forces in Iraq will be imminent as a result of security gains in Iraq and the limits on United States forces available for deployment.

   Inserted: (b) Responsible Reduction of United States Forces in Iraq.--The President shall commence a responsible reduction in the number of United States forces in Iraq commencing not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

   Inserted: (c) Implementation of Reduction as Part of Comprehensive Strategy.--

   Inserted: (1) In general.--The reduction in United States forces required by this section shall be implemented as part of a comprehensive diplomatic, political, and economic strategy that will include increased engagement with Iraq's neighbors and the international community for the purpose of working collectively to bring stability to Iraq.

   Inserted: (2) International mediation.--In carrying out the strategy described in paragraph (1), the President shall instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States at the United Nations to seek the appointment of a senior representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Iraq who has the authority of the international community to engage political, religious, ethnic, and tribal leaders in Iraq in an inclusive political process.

   Inserted: (3) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that, in carrying out the strategy described in paragraph (1), the President should--

   Inserted: (A) work with the United Nations to continue the efforts initiated at Sharm El Sheikh in April 2007 and implement fully the terms of the International Compact with respect to Iraq; and

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   Inserted: (B) support the decision of the United Nations Security Council on August 10, 2007, to strengthen the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq in areas such as national reconciliation, regional dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and human rights.

   Inserted: (d) Limited Presence of United States Forces After Reduction.--The goal of the reduction of United States required by this section shall be a limited presence for United States forces in Iraq at the completion of the reduction, with the missions of United States forces in Iraq after the completion of the reduction limited to the following:

   Inserted: (1) Protecting United States and coalition personnel and infrastructure.

   Inserted: (2) Training, equipping, and providing logistic support to the Iraqi Security Forces.

   Inserted: (3) Engaging in targeted counterterrorism operations against al Qaeda, al Qaeda affiliated groups, and other international terrorist organizations.

   Inserted: (4) Providing support for targeted operations by Iraqi Security Forces against extremist militia groups, such as Jaish al Mahdi, which conduct attacks against United States forces and Iraqi Security Forces.

   Inserted: (5) Engaging in counterinsurgency operations which support the counterterrorism mission described in paragraph (3).

   Inserted: (6) Providing personnel and support to Provisional Reconstruction Teams until civilian personnel can be recruited to fill positions in such teams.

   Inserted: (7) Sharing information and intelligence as necessary with Iraqi Security Forces to achieve the missions described in paragraphs (1) through (6).

   Inserted: (e) Report on Reduction.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Joint Resolution, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report setting forth the following:

   Inserted: (1) The scheduled date of the completion of the reduction and transition of United States forces in Iraq to a limited presence of carrying out the missions specified in subsection (d).

   Inserted: (2) A comprehensive description of efforts to prepare for the reduction and transition of United States forces in Iraq in accordance with this Joint Resolution and to limit any destabilizing consequences of such reduction and transition, including a description of efforts to work with the United Nations and allies in the region toward that objective.

   Original wording

   At the end of subtitle C of title XV, add the following:

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As printed