Hatch: Report Gives a Fresh Look at Difficult Situation

HATCH: REPORT GIVES A FRESH LOOK AT DIFFICULT SITUATION

The Iraq Study Group, led by Jim Baker and Lee Hamilton (standing), releases its findings in the Senate Hart Office building on Dec. 6, 2006.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) today issued the following statement after the release of a report prepared by the Iraq Study Group:

"We clearly needed a fresh look at a very difficult situation, and I'm looking forward to reading the report in detail. This is the first of several reports - including proposals being developed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the National Security Council - that will give the Administration new ideas on how we can obtain our goals in Iraq.

"We will soon have a new Secretary of Defense, and Dr. Gates affirmed yesterday he is going to look at all the options. In all the years I have known him, Dr. Gates has always impressed me. He is a pragmatist who is committed to finding the best way to succeed in Iraq.

"I want to commend the Iraq Study Group for working in such a bipartisan manner. My fear is that partisans in Congress will use this one proposal to arm-chair quarterback the President and his policies, rather than work together to complete our mission."

http://hatch.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=1693&Month=12&Year=2006