DeKALB | The political discussion around a proposed troop surge in Iraq is dividing members of Congress – along with dividing many Americans.

“It is no coincidence that we have not seen a terrorist attack on American soil since Sept. 11, 2001,” said Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-14th district) in a press release. “If we abandon Iraq today, we will leave behind a nation in perpetual instability and embolden the terrorists to expand their operation and better position themselves for attacks against the United States.”

Many Bush supporters have shown their intent to remain in Iraq until completion.

“To be clear: Failure in Iraq is not an option,” Hastert said in a press release. “Yet the resolution put forth today by Democrats offers only opposition, not options.”

Those in the anti-war camp, such as Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), say reverse action should be taken.

“At a moment when we should be taking steps to initiate the process that will gradually bring our troops home, the president is doing the opposite,” Durbin said in a press release. “Over 3,000 American service men and women have died in Iraq. And yet, in spite of these sacrifices, the president has told Americans that he is sending another 21,500 American troops to Iraq. A majority of the American people oppose this escalation of the war – it is time for Congress to take a stand and oppose it.”

The question on the minds of many in Congress is whether or not an increase in troops will realistically benefit the war effort.

“There are two issues here: Will the troop surge work, and will Congress’ thought on the troop surge even matter?” said Christopher Jones, NIU Department of Political Science chair.

The Bush administration’s strong intent to continue in Iraq will override any decision Congress may make, Jones said.

“Congress’ opposition to the troop increase is symbolic; it’s important for Congress to be involved. But whether it passes or not, it won’t matter, because the Bush administration wants it to happen no matter what,” Jones said.

Jones said a troop increase is overdue.

“It’s too little, too late,” Jones said. “If the Bush administration had taken this approach earlier in conflict, it could’ve been met with some success, but at this juncture, Iraq has just spiraled too far out of control for additional troops to make progress.”

Brendon Swedlow, assistant professor of political science, agrees.

“These aren’t enough troops to create a police state, just more targets for insurgents to attack,” Swedlow said.