Hope in Iraq

HOPE IN IRAQ -- (House of Representatives - September 30, 2004)

(Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, on September 29, an article in the Centralia Sentinel reads, "Former Centralia policeman finds hope in Iraq."

Joe Phoenix ended his 11-year career in February to join 1,000 other law enforcement officers from the U.S. hired by the Federal Government to train Iraqi police officers. In a brief visit home he states about the Iraqi people, "They are good people with good hearts and they love working with Americans," he said. "They consider it such an honor that we come over here and that we leave home and work with them. I have had nothing but cooperation from the people I am working with."

About the current challenges he states, "We are trying to get people trained and fortified so they can stand their ground. We need to get the Iraqi police in a better position to fight these guys."

And about the future, "Right now it is dangerous and it is probably going to get worse between now and January. They are going to try and stop the elections and show people we are not in control, but that is not going to happen. After the elections, I think things will slow down and get better."

Mr. Speaker, I thank Officer Phoenix for his service. God bless him, and God bless the United States of America.