There was a stark difference of opinion between two members of Congress who represent the Forest Lake area over last week’s vote to pass a non-binding resolution on the war in Iraq. Bachmann, a Republican who represents the Sixth District, opposed the resolution while Oberstar, the Eighth District Democrat, was in support. In a release, Oberstar said he is hopeful the Iraq resolution passed by the U.S. House will send a clear message to President Bush. “This is the moment that a majority of Americans who voted last November have waited for; a time when Congress does something about Iraq,” Oberstar said on the House floor. “And that something the people asked of us is to get us out of Iraq.” Bachmann said the resolution sends a message of weakness to the country’s enemies and disapproval to the troops in the field. “It is very telling that the resolution voted on today, only states what those on the other side of the aisle oppose,” she said. “After all these many hours of debate, the American people have yet to hear a plan from the Democrats for victory in the war on terror.” The resolution passed on a 246-182 vote on Feb. 16.

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