Wilson Statement on Armed Services Hearing on Status of U.S. Efforts in Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2009

Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement today following a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the status of U.S. efforts in Iraq. General Ray Odierno, Commanding General of Multi-National Force – Iraq, testified before the committee.

“I am, as are the many families of South Carolina, grateful for the incredible work done by our troops in Iraq under the professional leadership of General Odierno. I have had the privilege of meeting and speaking with General Odierno, and I appreciate him appearing before our committee and the American people to share his appraisal of U.S. efforts in Iraq.

“The challenges America and its allies face in Iraq are many, but I am grateful that we have seen such success both with the ‘surge’ and with continued security and diplomatic steps to achieve stability. The political as well as security environment in Iraq has improved and our nation is on a course to drawdown forces based on a mutual agreement with Iraq. I hope we will continue to evaluate that course of action to ensure it reinforces the hard-fought success secured by the sacrifice of so many brave American servicemembers.

“As always, it is important to build a strategy through close consultation with our commanders and troops on the ground to ensure it reflects the needs of our forces and their mission. This is as true in Afghanistan as it is in Iraq which is why I commended President Obama in March when he announced a new strategy for Afghanistan built on consultation with our military commanders. Iraq and Afghanistan are unique fronts in the Global War on Terrorism, and we must continue to listen to those who are fighting to defeat the terrorists overseas. I am grateful to have had that opportunity today and look forward to working with General Odierno and our military leadership to give them the resources and troops necessary to protect American families.”

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