DeLauro Statement on the 5th Year of the Iraq War

Statement

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) issued the following statement as the Iraq War enters its sixth year.

"As we mark this five-year anniversary, we reflect on the selfless service of the men and women of our Armed Forces. They have served honorably and they have done all that we ask of them. For those who have died, those who have been injured, and to all of them we thank them and their families for their service to this nation.

"It is time to bring this endless war to an end so we can force Iraq and its neighbors to make responsible decisions, and so we deploy our forces to achieve greater security

"Almost six years ago I voted against this war out of concern that our efforts would lack the legitimacy that an operation of this magnitude required. I did not approve of its framework which left the United States to carry the full burden of renewal and policing Iraq . I believed it undermined the war on terrorism and shifted our focus from the War in Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden. My vote was a prescient vote. Since then we have lost many lives and spent hundreds of billions of dollars and we have an Iraqi government still unwilling to take responsibility for their own future.

"Unfortunately, by the end of this summer, there will be more U.S. troops in Iraq than there were at the end of 2006 when the American people demanded a New Direction. Yet, we must continue to make the case for the responsible redeployment of U.S. Armed Services from Iraq as quickly as practicable. I am also determined to do everything possible to prevent President Bush from building permanent bases or maintaining a permanent military present in this country for years to come.

"The President and his Administration must not be allowed to make security commitments to Iraq that will tie the hands of the next president. That is why, I have introduced legislation that enforces the Constitutional requirement that the Bush Administration must seek Congressional approval before finalizing any future and lasting agreements with Iraq . I believe we should extend into 2009 the United Nations mandate authorizing our combat troops to operate in Iraq, so that a new Administration and a new Congress can carry out the wishes of the American people in mapping out and carrying out our future course in that country.

"Our nation's future presence in Iraq is one of the most important issues facing our country and the Congress must play a role."

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