VICTORY IN IRAQ CAUCUS SALUTES MILESTONE ELECTION IN IRAQ
December 14, 2005
On the eve of national elections in Iraq, members of the Victory in Iraq Caucus expressed their support for democracy in Iraq and solidarity with the Iraqi people:
"In October 2002, Saddam Hussein incredulously reported he received 100% support during a sham election in which he was the only candidate in the race. Three years later, due to the bravery of American troops and Iraqi security forces, the people of Iraq now have a historic opportunity to select 275 individuals from over 307 political parties to serve on their national Council of Representatives. As the Iraqi people continue down the path to democracy, they should know that the American people are proud of their continued successes and believe in the future of Iraq."
Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02)
Co-Chair, Victory In Iraq Caucus
"Tomorrow, the people of Iraq will have another historic opportunity to head to the polls and chart the course of their democracy for years to come. This election is the direct result of the tireless work of our dedicated troops, and the sheer determination of the Iraqi people who, two times before, have courageously withstood the threat of terrorism to make their voice, and vote, heard. Today, we must stand with the Iraqi people in celebrating this great accomplishment, and continue paying tribute to the extraordinary efforts of our brave servicemen and women."
Congressman Mark Green (WI-08)
Co-Chair, Victory In Iraq Caucus
"When Iraqis take to the polls tomorrow, it is important for them to know that they do so with the support of their democratic friends in America. Standing behind them will be the American people, our coalition partners, and all those around the world who stand as champions for liberty. By celebrating our solidarity behind those who have made Iraqi freedom a reality, we will send a clear and irrefutable signal to those who prosper through terror that freedom is on the march and will not be intimidated."
Congresswoman Thelma Drake (VA-02)
"The emergence of democracy in Iraq is vitally important to the future of Iraq and the future security of peaceful countries around the world. With each election, the Iraqi people move closer to a true democratic society. They are dedicated to this goal and head to the polls despite the danger they face--this more than anything gives me confidence that they will be successful. We must stay the course to give them this opportunity. I am very proud of our men and women in uniform who made this election possible. Their determination, dedication and skill have once again brought freedom to an oppressed people."
Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)
"In just 36 months, the Iraqi people have shifted their lives from dictator to democracy. This has not been easy, and their struggle to reform their country after more than 30 years under a brutal regime is far from over. But the courage and resolve of Iraqis to stand up to terrorists is inspiring. As Iraqis go to the polls a third time this year, we must reaffirm our commitment to stay the course."
Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-04)
"My step son and his fiancée serve proudly in Iraq as Marines and their confidence in the mission is a testament to this great country's role of spreading democracy and liberty. There can be no question that these are historic elections in Iraq and they must be seen for what they are: a turning point in a country that has known too much tyranny and blood in its history. When the Iraqi people vote for their first ever democratically elected national assembly, they will be voting for a future of hope, prosperity and freedom and they will be rejecting the failed ideals that the Islamist extremists espouse. A great day is dawning on the Middle East and history will prove us right."
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18)
"We are witnessing a monumental demonstration of democracy's appeal as the Iraqi people return to the polls this week. We cannot underestimate the importance of this day, not only for the Iraqi people but for those who seek freedom across the globe. Democratic successes in Iraq send a resounding message to terrorists and all who stand in the way of freedom that liberty can and will triumph tyranny."
Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11)
"We stand with the Iraqi people at this pivotal moment as they vote in free elections and take another crucial step toward establishing an independent, working democracy. Iraq's citizens have shown great courage, in the face of terrorists' deadly attempts to prevent freedom from taking root. This election is a testament to the Iraqi people's commitment to building a stable democracy and to our troops' hard work and many sacrifices. The least we can do is support the sacrifices they have made for freedom."
Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-01)
"Tomorrow, the Iraqi people will head to the polls and cast another vote for a free and open society. This vote stands directly in opposition to a government predicated on terror and fear and ruled by one of the world's most vicious dictators. Tomorrow's parliamentary elections in Iraq have the makings of a watershed moment in history, not only for the Middle East, but for the long-term security of the United States. Now, more than ever, America's leaders must stand united behind the Iraqi people as they venture forward in hope of a better future."
Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11)
"Elections in Iraq symbolize the spread of freedom in a repressed region responsible for terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world. This is a significant breakthrough in our effort to get to the root cause of terrorism. Our military deserves great praise for their work in bringing this mission so far in such a short period of time. All of us are witness to a momentous EVENT in history, and a moment that will help determine the sort of world our children inherit."
Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07)
"What a difference a year makes. In 2005 alone, the Iraqi people elected a Transitional National Assembly, drafted and adopted a constitution, and this week they will elect 275 Representatives who will serve four year terms on the Council of Representatives. The ideals of Freedom and Democracy are taking hold in the entire region, and as we witnessed in Afghanistan, each vote cast by the Iraqi people sends a strong and unmistakable message to terrorists everywhere that they are not welcome. We must remember that Iraq is the central front in the global war on terror, and each step their nation takes toward freedom and democracy is one step closer to victory. It is important that the Iraqi people, our men and women in the military, our allies, as well as our enemies, understand that we will stay the course until victory is achieved; because, the security of our nation depends on our willingness to take action against threats before they materialize on our city streets."
Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC-03)
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"In October 2002, Saddam Hussein incredulously reported he received 100% support during a sham election in which he was the only candidate in the race. Three years later, due to the bravery of American troops and Iraqi security forces, the people of Iraq now have a historic opportunity to select 275 individuals from over 307 political parties to serve on their national Council of Representatives. As the Iraqi people continue down the path to democracy, they should know that the American people are proud of their continued successes and believe in the future of Iraq."
Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02)
Co-Chair, Victory In Iraq Caucus
"Tomorrow, the people of Iraq will have another historic opportunity to head to the polls and chart the course of their democracy for years to come. This election is the direct result of the tireless work of our dedicated troops, and the sheer determination of the Iraqi people who, two times before, have courageously withstood the threat of terrorism to make their voice, and vote, heard. Today, we must stand with the Iraqi people in celebrating this great accomplishment, and continue paying tribute to the extraordinary efforts of our brave servicemen and women."
Congressman Mark Green (WI-08)
Co-Chair, Victory In Iraq Caucus
"When Iraqis take to the polls tomorrow, it is important for them to know that they do so with the support of their democratic friends in America. Standing behind them will be the American people, our coalition partners, and all those around the world who stand as champions for liberty. By celebrating our solidarity behind those who have made Iraqi freedom a reality, we will send a clear and irrefutable signal to those who prosper through terror that freedom is on the march and will not be intimidated."
Congresswoman Thelma Drake (VA-02)
"The emergence of democracy in Iraq is vitally important to the future of Iraq and the future security of peaceful countries around the world. With each election, the Iraqi people move closer to a true democratic society. They are dedicated to this goal and head to the polls despite the danger they face--this more than anything gives me confidence that they will be successful. We must stay the course to give them this opportunity. I am very proud of our men and women in uniform who made this election possible. Their determination, dedication and skill have once again brought freedom to an oppressed people."
Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)
"In just 36 months, the Iraqi people have shifted their lives from dictator to democracy. This has not been easy, and their struggle to reform their country after more than 30 years under a brutal regime is far from over. But the courage and resolve of Iraqis to stand up to terrorists is inspiring. As Iraqis go to the polls a third time this year, we must reaffirm our commitment to stay the course."
Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-04)
"My step son and his fiancée serve proudly in Iraq as Marines and their confidence in the mission is a testament to this great country's role of spreading democracy and liberty. There can be no question that these are historic elections in Iraq and they must be seen for what they are: a turning point in a country that has known too much tyranny and blood in its history. When the Iraqi people vote for their first ever democratically elected national assembly, they will be voting for a future of hope, prosperity and freedom and they will be rejecting the failed ideals that the Islamist extremists espouse. A great day is dawning on the Middle East and history will prove us right."
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18)
"We are witnessing a monumental demonstration of democracy's appeal as the Iraqi people return to the polls this week. We cannot underestimate the importance of this day, not only for the Iraqi people but for those who seek freedom across the globe. Democratic successes in Iraq send a resounding message to terrorists and all who stand in the way of freedom that liberty can and will triumph tyranny."
Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11)
"We stand with the Iraqi people at this pivotal moment as they vote in free elections and take another crucial step toward establishing an independent, working democracy. Iraq's citizens have shown great courage, in the face of terrorists' deadly attempts to prevent freedom from taking root. This election is a testament to the Iraqi people's commitment to building a stable democracy and to our troops' hard work and many sacrifices. The least we can do is support the sacrifices they have made for freedom."
Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-01)
"Tomorrow, the Iraqi people will head to the polls and cast another vote for a free and open society. This vote stands directly in opposition to a government predicated on terror and fear and ruled by one of the world's most vicious dictators. Tomorrow's parliamentary elections in Iraq have the makings of a watershed moment in history, not only for the Middle East, but for the long-term security of the United States. Now, more than ever, America's leaders must stand united behind the Iraqi people as they venture forward in hope of a better future."
Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11)
"Elections in Iraq symbolize the spread of freedom in a repressed region responsible for terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world. This is a significant breakthrough in our effort to get to the root cause of terrorism. Our military deserves great praise for their work in bringing this mission so far in such a short period of time. All of us are witness to a momentous EVENT in history, and a moment that will help determine the sort of world our children inherit."
Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07)
"What a difference a year makes. In 2005 alone, the Iraqi people elected a Transitional National Assembly, drafted and adopted a constitution, and this week they will elect 275 Representatives who will serve four year terms on the Council of Representatives. The ideals of Freedom and Democracy are taking hold in the entire region, and as we witnessed in Afghanistan, each vote cast by the Iraqi people sends a strong and unmistakable message to terrorists everywhere that they are not welcome. We must remember that Iraq is the central front in the global war on terror, and each step their nation takes toward freedom and democracy is one step closer to victory. It is important that the Iraqi people, our men and women in the military, our allies, as well as our enemies, understand that we will stay the course until victory is achieved; because, the security of our nation depends on our willingness to take action against threats before they materialize on our city streets."
Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC-03)
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