[Peace-discuss] Rep. Johnson on the supplemental

[Robert Naiman]

Rep. Johnson gave two reasons for not supporting the supplemental:

- the binding timetable for withdrawal
- the controversial domestic spending provisions (e.g. "spinach growers")

The conference report is now closer to the Senate version - the
withdrawal date is a "goal," not a binding timetable. Also, some of
the controversial domestic spending provisions - including the money
for spinach growers - were removed.

So it will be interesting to see if Rep. Johnson changes his vote. The
Democratic leadership, in negotiating the conference report, stated
that they were trying to attract more Republican support. Presumably,
as one of the 17 House Republicans who voted for the resolution
against the surge, he is the target audience.

For those who wish to call Johnson's office, the number is 202-225-2371.