Emerson votes "present" on Iraq spending, pullout bill

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson was one of only two members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted "present" this week on the spending bill that sets a timeline for removing U.S. troops from Iraq.

The vote represented a shift in position since March 23 for the six-term Republican congresswoman from Cape Girardeau. On that date, she joined with most other Republicans in voting against spending bill that includes $90 billion for military operations but also sets a deadline for removal of most combat troops.

The bill, which includes $124.2 billion in total spending, passed the House Wednesday on a 218-208. Two Republicans joined with the Democratic House majority to vote for the bill; 13 Democrats broke ranks with their party to join 195 Republicans opposed to the measure.

President George W. Bush has said repeatedly he will veto any bill setting a troop withdrawal deadline.

Emerson was joined by liberal Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., in voting present. In a statement issued after the vote, Stark said he voted present because he supports immediate withdrawal of the approximately 150,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and could not vote for any measure that includes money to support the war.

Emerson could not be reached immediately for comment and issued no statement following the vote.

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rkeller@semissourian.com

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