House Republican Conference Radio Address by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA)

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REP. WITTMAN: Hello. This is Congressman Rob Wittman, and I have the privilege to represent Virginia's First District -- which includes Jamestown, so it's often referred to as America's First District.

Next week, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker will give the American people and Congress an update on the progress of our security strategy in Iraq. In the six months since their last Capitol Hill appearance, there has been substantial progress on both the political and security fronts.

Like most Americans, I am eager to hear their objective, on-the- ground assessment. And as a member of the Armed Services Committee, it's my hope that members of both parties will check politics at the door and truly listen to General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker.

Unfortunately, there are some politicians in Washington who have already made up their minds about the future in Iraq. This week, there's been a lot of discussion about these particular issues, and some that want to tie future funds for our troops based on an ill- conceived plan for their precipitous and arbitrary withdrawal. We need to make sure that we avoid that. There are those in Washington that are prepared to not fund the critical needs of our men and women fighting in Iraq, and also those who want to attach billions in unrelated spending and pork-barrel projects to the next troop funding bill. We absolutely cannot have that.

This declaration comes in the time when we need support for our men and women in Iraq the most.

The facts make it clear -- we need to make sure that we address these issues and make sure that the resources necessary are in place so that we can be successful in Iraq. Violence has declined throughout most of Iraq and terrorists have been denied safe havens, particularly in Baghdad and in al Anbar province. Civil society and local economies are taking root. And critical laws to make way for political reconciliation have been passed by the Iraqi parliament.

Even Democrats who have visited Iraq have testified to this progress, but it is reversible, and the consequences of failure in Iraq are too great. It would mean allowing Iraq to become a safe haven for foreign terrorists. It would also create a humanitarian disaster of epic proportions and leave an ambitious Iran unchecked by its neighbor. The danger to America is absolutely unacceptable.

In these challenging times, we must remain committed to staying on the offense against Al Qaeda in Iraq and fully supporting our troops so they can return home with success. Our troops have performed honorably and courageously. They and their families have the thanks of a grateful nation.

This is Congressman Rob Wittman. Thank you for listening.