Operation Iraqi Healing

OPERATION IRAQI HEALING -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 30, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOE WILSON
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008

* Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize the non-governmental organization Severus Worldwide and the work they are doing on behalf of the health and well-being of the Iraqi people through their project, ``Operation Iraqi Healing.''

* Prior to the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraqi citizens suffered from a humanitarian crisis perpetrated by a totalitarian dictatorship focused on preserving power rather than providing for the citizenry. Following the liberation of Iraq, remnants of that broken system and the emergence of destabilizing violence created a scenario where the Iraqi people are in dire need of medical supplies and medical facilities to support a healthy nation.

* While the American military and our coalition partners have worked hard to help build an infrastructure in the face of ongoing violence, our efforts have been impeded by an enemy that targets Iraqi infrastructure and an Iraqi medical community that has not been fully engaged. Thankfully, private organizations are stepping up and providing invaluable assistance.

* Severus Worldwide's ``Operation Iraqi Healing'' brings together Iraqi physicians and medical personnel along with civil affairs officers from both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps to provide the necessary funding and infrastructure to build, staff, and equip hospitals and clinics to serve the people of Iraq. This type of comprehensive strategy is needed, and I am grateful for Severus Worldwide's tremendous efforts on behalf of the Iraqi people.

* The time to act is now. The success that can be achieved by strengthening the healthcare system of Iraq is two-fold. The people of Iraq will have the tools and resources to treat the sick and wounded. But, just as important, the stability that a strong and growing infrastructure can bring to this nation will be invaluable in helping the young democracy of Iraq flourish. The men and women of Severus Worldwide and the numerous other private and public organizations that have continued to contribute to a stable Iraq should be commended for their compassion.

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