Iraqi Benchmarks Are a Solid Compromise (Sen. Ben Nelson)
The benchmarks would measure the progress of the Iraqi government on goals such as building internal security forces, distributing oil revenue equitably and recognizing the rights of minority parties in Parliament. The President will be required to report to Congress this summer and in September on the Iraqi government’s success in meeting these benchmarks. General Petraeus would also be required to be available to testify before Congress prior to the September progress report. Should these standards not be met, then $1.6 billion in economic support funding shall be withheld from the Iraqi government, subject to presidential waiver.
This agreement was difficult to reach, but it is a good compromise. It will ensure that the troops have the resources they need to do their jobs, critical domestic needs are met and the Iraqi government is accountable for progress in Iraq.