Washington – The Iraq Study Group may be coming back.
The House adopted legislation Thursday to revive the bipartisan panel of prominent former U.S. officials who last year said President Bush should change course on the war.
A new assessment by the panel would offer lawmakers an independent alternative to an administration progress report due in September. And because the panel is unlikely to suggest U.S. combat troops remain in Iraq in large numbers, its recommendations could provide political cover for Republicans who want Bush to start bringing troops home.
The measure was proposed by Rep. Chris Shays, who was hammered in the 2006 elections for his support for the war. Shays, R-Conn., says Congress could benefit from an updated assessment by the Iraq Study Group.
The House voted 355-69 to adopt the proposal as part of a $34.2 billion bill that funds State Department operations and foreign aid.
Shays’ proposal had already been adopted by voice vote, but the congressman said he insisted on a roll call to gauge support among his colleagues.
