Democratic Congressmembers Barbara Lee, Lynn Woolsey and Maxine Waters of California have introduced a bill calling for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops and military contractors within six months. The measure is one several new resolutions showing increased opposition to the White House plan to escalate the war in Iraq. We play an excerpt of Rep. Woolsey’s speech introducing her bill on the House floor. [includes rush transcript]

On Capitol Hill, President Bush is facing increasing opposition to his plan to escalate the war in Iraq. A group of Republican and Democratic Senators have introduced a non-binding resolution opposing Bush’s plan to send over 20,000 more troops. The resolution was introduced by Democratic Senators Carl Levin and Joseph Biden as well as Republican Chuck Hagel. Meanwhile in the House, Democratic Congressmembers Barbara Lee, Lynn Woolsey and Maxine Waters introduced a bill calling for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops and military contractors within six months.

A number of grassroots groups are also presenting plans to Congress. A group of 50 active-duty service members visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to call for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The soldiers presented a petition – known as an appeal for redress. It was signed by over 1,000 troops – mostly enlisted service members. Today over 100 members of the Granny Peace Brigade plan to visit the offices of every Senator to urge Congress to cut off funding for the war.

This is California Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey outlining her bill, known as the Bring Our Troops Home and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act.

• Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).