McCaskill Marks Formal End of Iraq War

Statement

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement as the Iraq war formally came to a close:

"I join all Missourians in congratulating our troops on a job well done, and thanking them and their families for their sacrifice. I've always supported the plan to withdraw all American troops from Iraq by this year, and I'm glad to see this day finally arrive. Since it began, I've viewed this war through the eyes of a proud American, but also those of a former auditor. We made progress in our efforts to stop rampant waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars in wartime contracting-but the end of this conflict will allow us to turn our attention and our resources toward strengthening our own nation. I cannot think of the end of this war without thinking particularly of the thousands of servicemembers who gave their lives or were seriously wounded in Iraq-men and women we will honor forever."

Shortly after joining the Senate, McCaskill teamed up with Senator Jim Webb (Va.) to establish an independent, bipartisan Commission on Wartime Contracting modeled after the "Truman Committee" which investigated government waste and fraud during World War II.

U.S. COMMISSION ON WARTIME CONTRACTING TIMELINE:

July 18, 2007: Freshmen Senators join McCaskill and Webb in pushing for the creation of a Commission

December 14, 2007: Senate gives final approval to the creation of the Commission

January 28, 2008: The President signs into law the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, including McCaskill and Webb's provision to create the Commission

February 2, 2009: McCaskill and Webb testify before the Commission

June 10, 2009:Commission issues its first interim report to Congress

February 24, 2011:Commission issues its second interim report to Congress

August 31, 2011:Commission issues its final report to Congress

September 22, 2011: McCaskill testifies before Senate panel alongside members of the Commission on its recommendations

October 19, 2011: McCaskill questions agencies' progress on implementing recommendations

Source