Kline Doesn’t Think Accountability Matters in Iraq, Cares More About Supporting President Bush. In 2007, John Kline voted against legislation that would set benchmarks for success by the Iraqi government as a contingency for releasing requested funds for the war, supporting President Bush’s desire for unfettered funding. (HR 2206, Vote #333, 5/10/2007) With no accountability, there is little incentive for the Iraqi government to make progress.

When Congress passed a bill mandating standards of progress in Iraq and setting a goal for redeployment of troops, it was vetoed by President Bush. John Kline voted to continue following Bush’s failed policies, upholding the veto. (HR 1591, Vote #276, 5/2/2007)

Kline Has Long Wanted to Invade Iraq. John Kline has been a cheerleader for George Bush’s war from day one, or even before. Kline stated: “It's never been a question to me of if we'd go to Iraq; it's always been a question of when we would go.” (Burnsville ThisWeek, 8/17/02) He further said, “It's not a matter of how many allies we have or whether the Middle Eastern countries want us to go there or not.” (Jason Lewis Show, KSTP-AM, 8/23/2002)

The Costs of Kline’s Unwavering Support for Bush and the War Are Astronomical. The total economic cost of the war in Iraq is estimated at $1.3 trillion through 2008. Even assuming a moderate drawdown in troop levels, the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (with the vast majority of funds going to Iraq) will amount to $3.5 trillion between 2003 and 2017. For operations between through 2008, the cost to a family of four is $16,500. (Report of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, 11/132007)

Kline Opposed Rumsfeld’s Resignation Despite His Dismal Record and the Abu Ghraib Scandal. Kline admitted that the prison scandal had done major damage to American prestige abroad and our ability to succeed in Iraq. Despite this, he did not support the Secretary of Defense’s resignation. “No, I do not think he should resign or be fired… he’s done a very good job trying to transform the military and provide leadership for these operations.” (Star Tribune, 5/9/2004) Kline did not even attend the hearing where Rumsfeld testified on the Abu Ghraib abuse. (Star Tribune, 5/12/2004)