Boustany Applauds Independent Petraeus, Crocker Report
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., R-Lafayette, today applauded General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker for their testimony before the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees.
"General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker represent our eyes and our ears on the ground in Iraq," Boustany said. "They are in the best position to accurately assess both our success and the remaining challenges, and I appreciate their straightforward answers and independent report."
Petraeus and Crocker met with the Committees to provide an update on the security and political situation in Iraq. Petraeus was confirmed by the Senate unanimously on January 26, 2007 and has overseen U.S. military operations in the region since that time. Crocker has served as Ambassador to Iraq since March 26, 2007. Prior to that role, Crocker served as Ambassador to several Middle Eastern countries including Pakistan, Syria, and Lebanon.
"This report demonstrates the plan put in place by General Petraeus is beginning to work." Boustany continued, "While the Iraqi central government has much work left, the U.S. military has helped achieve the security necessary for political reconciliation and sustainable economic growth to take place. Our State Department officials continue to work with leaders to find the localized solutions that are creating a bottom-up rebuilding effort."
Boustany returned from the region two weeks ago, after meeting with American and Iraqi military and civilian leaders in Baghdad, Fallujah and Kuwait. While there, he met with both General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker.
Boustany, the only Republican on the CODEL, was joined by Representatives Kendrick Meek, D-FL, Jason Altmire, D-PA, and Michael Arcuri, D-NY. The trip was hosted by the House Armed Services Committee in conjunction with the Department of Defense.