Proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section Providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the United States to begin an immediate withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, beginning with the National Guard and Reserve and ending with a total withdrawal of U.S. forces by the end of year 2006.

WHEREAS, Under Section 6 of the First Class City Home Rule Act (53 P.S. §13106), an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter may be proposed by a resolution of the Council of the City of Philadelphia adopted with the concurrence of two-thirds of its elected members; now, therefore,

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,

THAT the following amendment to Article VIII of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter is hereby proposed and shall be submitted to the electors of the City on an election date designated by ordinance:

ARTICLE VIII

PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

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CHAPTER 5 REFERENDA APPROVED BY THE VOTERS

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§8-502. Withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Iraq by the end of year 2006

We, the citizens of Philadelphia, believe that our troops have performed their mission successfully and with honor. It is now time for U.S. troops to come home from Iraq. Withdrawal of U.S. forces by the end of year 2006 will strengthen Iraqi determination to establish a coalition government and to rebuild their nation.

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