Regula Votes Against Troops, Again

On August 2, 2007, the United States House of Representatives passed the Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act by a 229 to 194. This bill was summarized by the Congressional Research Service as follows:

Prohibits units and members of the regular Armed Forces from being deployed for Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom (including participation in the NATO International Security Assistance Force (Afghanistan)) unless the period between deployments is equal to or longer than the period of the previous deployment. Expresses the sense of Congress that the optimal minimum period between such deployments should be equal to or longer than twice the period of the previous deployment.

Prohibits units and members of the reserves from being deployed for such Operations (including such NATO participation) if the unit or member has been deployed within three preceding years. Expresses the sense of Congress that units and members of the reserves should not be mobilized continuously for more than one year, and that the optimal minimum period between such deployments should be five years.

Authorizes the: (1) President to waive such limitations after certifying to Congress that the deployment is necessary to meet an operational emergency posing a threat to vital national security interests; or (2) chief of staff of the military department concerned (including the Coast Guard) to waive such limitations with respect to a member who has voluntarily requested mobilization.

This bill would prevent the Bush Administration from extending the tours of duty for military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Bush Administration went from a policy of tours of duty for members of the American Army in Iraq being 12 months to 15 months. The administration has also been continuously calling up reserve units and redeploying them into Iraq. Both policies are causing hardship to the families of such soldiers, not to mention exposing them to more danger.

Representative Regula voted against this Act. Keep that in mind if he runs for re-election.

Congressman Ralph Regula Backs Indefinite Deployment for American Troops in Iraq

As the result of this roll call in the United States House of Representatives shows, Congressman Ralph Regula (R-13) voted to indefinitely deploy American troops in Iraq. He was joined by all the Republican Representatives to Congress from Ohio.

Of course, if you ask them, they will tell you that their vote wasn't for deploying American troops in Iraq indefinitely. They will tell you that their vote was against establishing deadlines for the removal of American troops. They will tell you that their opposition to the Democratic bill establishing a withdrawal date of March of 2008 is not the same as voting to deploy troops indefinitely.

Don't believe it. After four years of war in Iraq, it is obvious that Bush has no idea on how to end America's involvement in Iraq. Nor does he seem to have any desire to do so. If you aren't for a deadline to bring American troops home, then you are for continuing Bush's indefinite deployment of American troops in a sectarian civil war. Ohio Republicans: Once again, putting Bush first.

State Senator John Boccieri Declares for Congress

With Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray looking on, Democratic State Senator John Boccieri announced his candidacy for the 16th Congressional District, Monday, June 11, 2007 in North Canton, across from the soon-to-be closed Hoover Plant. Medina County Chair Pam Miller joined fellow 16th District Democratic Chairs Johnny Maier of Stark County, Jean Mohr of Wayne County, George Bringman of Ashland County, and Lisa Antonini of Mahonng County, along with area elected officials, labor leaders, and veterans in a show of support for Boccieri, who is widely considered an exceptionally strong candidate for the 16th District seat, currently held by 83-year old Ralph Regula. In addition to his State Senate seat, Boccieri serves in the Air Force Reserve and has been deployed 3 times to Iraq.

Congressman Regula Backs Five of Six Dem Bills in 110th Congress

Congressman Ralph Regula, (OH-R), representing the 16th Ohio Congressional District supported five of the first six Democratic bills passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. He supported adopting the 9-11 Commission recommendations; allowing stem-cell research; increasing the minimum wage; cutting the interest on student loans; and for negotiation with drug companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. He voted against the Democratic energy bill.

There are a couple of explanations for Regula's support of these bills. One is that Regula is a moderate to conservative Republican and found these bills philosophically compatible with his views. The other is that he is getting ready to run for re-election in 2008 and wants to make sure he goes toward the center in case he gets a viable Democratic opponent. Or, of course, his reasons for voting for these bills is a mixture of both. In any event, however, Democrats in Ohio's 16th Congressional District should not be assuming that Regula is not running in 08.