U.S. House nixes permanent Iraq bases

WASHINGTON, July 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly adopted a symbolic resolution that would prevent the U.S. military from establishing permanent bases in Iraq.

Republicans offered little resistance to the resolution, which was sponsored by Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., The New York Times reported.

By a 399-24 vote, the measure passed with language limiting federal spending "to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq or to exercise United States economic control of the oil resources of Iraq."

Republican House leader John Boehner of Ohio called the resolution meaningless theatrics.

"The bill brought to the floor by the majority today represents yet another political stunt and an intellectually dishonest one at that because the United States has never proposed establishing a permanent base in Iraq or anywhere else," Boehner said.