McNerney Leads Freshman Trip to Iraq, Returns Committed to Reasonable Timeline

Press Release

MCNERNEY LEADS FRESHMAN TRIP TO IRAQ, RETURNS COMMITTED TO REASONABLE TIMETABLE

This past weekend, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) led a bipartisan, all-freshman Congressional delegation on a trip to Iraq. The trip, the first all-freshman delegation to tour the country, included three Republicans and three Democrats.

"Going to Iraq was an eye opening experience," Rep. McNerney said. "It's one thing to read about the situation and hear from others who have been, and quite another to see and experience firsthand the reality of the situation."

"After visiting Iraq, I still strongly support implementing a reasonable timetable to begin withdrawing troops. I believe that is the only way to give the Iraqis the incentive they need to step up and take control of their country. In fact, coming home from Iraq, I'm more willing to work toward a solution," Rep. McNerney continued.

The delegation left Washington, DC, on Friday evening before heading to Kuwait, and then to Baghdad. That evening they met with Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Embassy staff. The following day the delegation headed to Ramadi, a city west of Baghdad, then to meet with the 11th Iraqi Army Division in East Baghdad. Later that day, the group met with Barhem Saleh, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister.

"In meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Saleh, we had a frank discussion," said Rep. McNerney. "I told him that Iraqi leaders must take responsibility for their country."

That evening, Rep. McNerney ate dinner with California soldiers from the Army's 3rd Infantry Division. He brought several items including newspapers, magazines, DVDs, and a deck of cards collected by Thank to Our Troops, a volunteer group in Stockton that collects and ships items to soldiers serving in Iraq.

"The soldiers I met with were in good spirits and committed to their mission, but are ready to be back with their families in California," Rep. McNerney said.

On Sunday, the delegation flew to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany where they met with wounded troops and other U.S. military leaders.

In addition to Rep. McNerney, on the trip were Republicans Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Dean Heller of Nevada, and Peter Roskam of Illinois; and Democrats Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Tim Mahoney of Florida.

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