Congressman McIntyre Statement on Iraq Election

Congressman McIntyre Statement on Iraq Election

Washington, D.C. - "Thursday was a historic day for the future of Iraq and the Iraqi people. Our men and women in uniform have played an important and critical role in making this day happen, and I am greatly encouraged that these elections were successfully conducted. Security and stability are the two key components for success in Iraq, and we need to be moving toward a successful conclusion of the war in Iraq.

"As our American troops continue to train the Iraqi Army and Special Police, the Iraqis can move toward taking control of their own security. This should allow a significant reduction in American troop levels over the next 12-16 months.

"With the completion of the elections in Iraq this year, the Iraqis can and should move toward self-governance and fulfilling their own destiny, which will continue to increase stability in this new democracy.

"We should be able to lessen the American footprint in Iraq and begin bringing our troop levels down in the coming year because of the success our troops have already had in stabilizing 14 of the 18 Iraq provinces and by training Iraqi forces to take the lead in their own security. I hope that our force levels can be reduced from the current level of 160,000 troops down to 40,000-60,000 troops in the months to come.

"Having been to Iraq and having met with both the military brass and our enlisted men and women in the war zone, I am optimistic that today is the beginning of our moving toward a successful conclusion of this mission. We should honor those who have served and are serving our country in the Armed Services. So many men and women and their families have made so many sacrifices, and some have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We must make sure that their efforts have not been in vain."

http://www.house.gov/mcintyre/assets/news_releases/dec_05/12_16_05.htm