Aderholt Statement on President's Speech

WASHINGTON - Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) this evening made the following statement after President George W. Bush's speech on Iraq concluded:

The President traveled to Capitol Hill last Thursday and discussed Iraq with me and other Members of Congress. He stressed that America must lead, however, it is time for the Iraqi people to assume responsibility if freedom is to exist in that part of the world.

"I share the President's concern for the difficult job at hand in Iraq. However, I also share his confidence that our nation is up to the challenge of establishing a free and just Iraq.

"I am pleased to see the President discuss the June 30th handover; a strategy that leaves the Middle East a more stable and just community while granting the Iraqis the human rights everyone deserves and bringing hardworking American troops back home to their families as soon as possible.