Board adopts resolution urging Congress to revoke authority for troop commitment in Iraq; 7-1 vote

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on March 13 adopted a resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to revoke the authority it has granted for commitment of U.S. military forces in Iraq and to secure the immediate, safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Supervisor Chris Daly, speaking for the Budget and Finance Committee report, pointed to a 2004 ballot measure in which San Francisco voters supported immediate withdrawal and urged colleagues to back the resolution so local interests would be represented in congressional spending debates. “In November, 02/2004, San Francisco voters went on record, 63 percent, asking for immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq,” Daly said. He also cited the local fiscal share of federal spending tied to the war as a reason for the board to act.

Supervisor Dufty said he personally opposed the war but objected to devoting the board’s time to national policy while there were pressing local needs, telling the chamber he would vote no. Supervisor Alioto Pier said she would support the resolution to show backing for the work of Congresswoman Pelosi and her efforts in Congress.

On roll call the resolution was approved on a 7–1 vote and was adopted. The transcript shows the result as “7 ayes, 1 no.” No further implementation actions or city expenditures were tied to the resolution; it serves as an official statement of the board’s position and a message to federal representatives.

The resolution was presented as a committee report from the Budget and Finance Committee.