Congresswoman Hirono Statement on the End of the Iraq War

Statement

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today issued the following statement on President Obama's announcement that all U.S. troops serving in Iraq will be returning home by the end of the year:

"Today's announcement by President Obama that the war in Iraq is ending responsibly and our men and women will be home soon is welcome news. President Obama made a promise to the American people to get us out of Iraq and it's a promise he's keeping. The cost of this war -- in the nearly 4,500 lives lost and the $1 trillion that has been added to our national debt -- has been tragic. Our focus must continue to be on keeping our nation safe and honoring our commitment to our returning troops and our military families. The best way to do that is for the leaders of this country to maintain a strong military that is powerful enough to deter and take action against threats, use diplomacy to achieve and keep the peace, and oppose ill-considered international military entanglements.

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