Boozman: Honest and Sober Report

Boozman: Honest and Sober Report

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement of support of the President Bush's new strategy on Iraq, following the President's nationally televised address:

"Tonight, President Bush gave an honest and sober report on Iraq. I applaud the President for his candor, his admission the situation in Baghdad is deteriorating, and support the plan he has laid out to overcome the challenges in front of us so that we may bring American servicemen and women home earlier, rather than later.

"While I heard contrition in the President's voice tonight, I did not hear a lack of resolve to complete the work we have started in Iraq. We have not moved quickly enough to turn control over Iraq to the Iraqis. We have been remiss in not stopping the rise of militias. I am glad to hear the President acknowledge this and shoulder the responsibility as Commander-in-Chief.

"There is work to be done, and I am glad to hear we will not be working alone.

"I am pleased to learn our new efforts in Baghdad are based on the ideas and have the buy-in of the Iraqi Prime Minister. It is my hope the Iraqi government delivers on the promises they have made, including stopping the sectarian violence in Iraq regardless of faction. It is my hope these promises are kept, as the consequences of failure in Iraq could not be graver for both our countries. If we are unsuccessful, or if we step back now, the problem in Iraq will become more lethal, and make our troops fight an uglier battle than we are seeing today.

"I am pleased to hear the President's charge to the Iraqi government: requiring Iraqis to step-up and begin to take their rightful place as the masters of their own destiny. We can all agree the Iraqi government needs to exhibit the capability and perform the duties required to function as a nation sooner, rather than later.

"I look forward to the President working with the Congress to see our military involvement come to a successful conclusion, and to learning more about the administrations plans in my role on the Foreign Affairs Committee. That being said, I caution my fellow colleagues to not seize this opportunity to try and run this conflict by committee, or to turn the funding of our troops into a political tool.

"It is important we leave this battle to the generals and the men and women on the front lines. It is also important the Congress keep the administration accountable and ensure our military have the tools and support to accomplish their mission."

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=55219