There is only one voice that can possibly get through to the president - Congress saying "no" to more funding for the war. We need to cut off funding for his disastrous policy of escalation in Iraq. A mere symbolic vote by Congress on this escalation would send an important message, but it is not the hammer needed to forge a new policy in Iraq.

Second, Congress must finally stand up and state unequivocally that no military solution exists to this Iraqi political problem. We've already increased troop levels in Iraq four times. Pouring more U.S . troops into Iraq yet again will slow, not accelerate, the day when Iraqi factions might finally reach the hard compromises that are necessary to forge a nation and American service members can return home.