Issue Position: The Global War on Terror

Issue Position

Since the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Global War on Terror has succeeded in making America safer, disrupting the operations of Al Qaeda and supporting democratic roots in the Middle East.

Congressman Dreier has been a stalwart supporter of the war. He voted to use force against the perpetrators of the September 11th attacks, and in November 2005, he voted against immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. He also voted to create the Department of Homeland Security and the position of National Director of Intelligence to streamline efforts to keep our country safe.

The Global War on Terror is unlike any war the United States has ever fought. Terrorists unaffiliated with any particular country who wantonly kill the innocent are as difficult to combat as they are brutal. The loss of our brave servicemen and women in this war is a tragedy for which our nation grieves. They fought for a just cause and their legacy is our enduring freedom.

The war is being fought on many fronts with both military and non-military means. It encompasses such aims as bringing the fight to the enemy in Iraq and improving emergency preparedness here at home. Progress has been uneven, yet unmistakable, and Congressman Dreier strongly supports continued vigorous prosecution of the war.

We are now safer than we were before September 11th, 2001. In three years, Afghanistan was transformed from the home base of Al Qaeda into a free nation with a democratically elected president and parliament; Libya has given up its weapons of mass destruction; Pakistan has evolved from one of the few countries in the world that recognized the Taliban regime into a key ally in the war on terror; and in 2005, the Iraqi people voted in three nationwide elections for their democratic future.

In March 2005, Congressman Dreier led a Congressional delegation to the Middle East. Before visiting troops in Iraq, he addressed the American University in Cairo, where he said: "The goal of the United States Congress is… to encourage democratic movements where they sprout and help them resist the pressures of extremism and autocracy. Democracy is civilization's best response to conflict, strife, poverty, and extremism."

A strong believer in the adage that democracies do not go to war with other democracies, Congressman Dreier chairs the House Democracy Assistance Commission. The Commission's mission is to support emerging democracies such as Georgia, Macedonia and Kenya with legislative assistance programs. Where democracy flourishes, terrorism dies.

Fighting Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan

Terrorists thrive in areas with a lack of freedom and democratic governance. In Afghanistan, the brutal Taliban suppressed the rights of women and trained men to become terrorists. In Iraq, Saddam Hussein presided over sham elections, filled mass graves with his own people, and repeatedly refused to comply with the international community's requests to disclose his illegal weapons programs.

Thanks to the bravery and skill of our troops, the 50 million people of Afghanistan and Iraq are free, and the American people are safer. Today in Afghanistan, the terror camps are closed and women and children are becoming full fledged members of society. More than 10 million people registered to vote in their October 2004 presidential election. In September 2005, Afghans held another successful election, this time for their new parliament.

Iraq remains the central front in the Global War on Terrorism. Our military is performing superbly under difficult and dangerous circumstances, and because of their determination and courage, tremendous progress has resulted.

The Iraqi people are fully participating in the defense and renewal of their country. Over 215,000 Iraqi Security Forces have been trained and equipped. Many of these security forces were instrumental in keeping the peace during the three nationwide elections held in Iraq in 2005. Underscoring their desire for a say in the future of their country, the turnout for the three elections was 59 percent, 63 percent and 70 percent respectively. The elections signified that millions of Iraqis of various ethnic groups were willing to use the political process instead of force to reconcile differences.

Along with political progress, Iraq's economy is coming to life. The Iraqi economy is expected to grow 10 percent in 2006; the unemployment rate has been drastically reduced; and Iraqi monthly salaries have increased markedly. Reconstructions efforts also continue. More than 3,400 schools, 250 fire and police stations and 300 water plants have been renovated.

Federal Government's Role in Protecting the Homeland

Just as important as our efforts abroad are the federal government's efforts to protect and secure our communities here at home. This is especially critical here in the Southern California, the site of LAX and Ontario airports, two of the largest sea ports in the world, and one of the largest urban areas in the country.

Congress continues to work to consolidate terrorist watch lists and threat information, and increase funding for our first responders and for the protection of our air, land and seaports, urban areas, and critical infrastructure.

Customs officials are now dispatched to 25 ports across the world to inspect cargo before it is loaded onto ships headed for our ports, like the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and data is being screened on 100 percent of all inbound shipping containers.

Equally important as protecting our ports is protecting the tremendous amount of cargo on our rail lines every day. Ninety percent of all material leaving Southern California via rail passes through the San Gabriel Valley and the rail crossing in Colton, right in the middle of the Inland Empire.

Congressman Dreier has voted to fully fund the operations of the Department of Homeland Security since the department's inception. The fiscal year 2006 Homeland Security Appropriations bill totaled $30.8 billion, including over $19 billion for border protection measures. The bill also provides $3.3 billion for first responders. Since September 11, 2001, California has received nearly $1 billion in homeland security grants. Nearly $340 million has been allocated to safeguard critical infrastructure and fund important programs in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.

Additionally, the California Office of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, has organized and trained more than 86,000 first responders who comprise Community Ermergency Response Teams.

More still needs to be done to make sure that critical funding is allocated, both at the State and Federal level, to areas of highest risk like Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. Congressman Dreier will continue to be a forceful advocate for keeping our communities prepared in the event of disaster.

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