Ellison Statement on the Ninth Anniversary of the Iraq War

Statement

"Today we mark an ill-fated decision made nine years ago to begin the Iraq War. We are blessed to have welcomed home all U.S. troops who served so honorably. But while many have been able to hug their beloved family member once again, too many families cannot do the same. More than 1 million Americans served in Iraq and we pause to remember the nearly 4,500 Americans who gave their lives.

"This number includes 68 servicemen and servicewomen from Minnesota. We also honor the 510 Minnesotans wounded, as well as the 31,500 wounded service members nationwide.

"Like many others, I originally opposed America's incursion into Iraq. The Iraq War--based on a faulty premise--cost too many lives and cost the U.S. approximately $1 trillion. We should divert some of the Iraq War spending to projects here at home, reinvigorate our economy and support our Iraq War veterans, and support our troops still serving in Afghanistan.

"With the war in Iraq barely finished and a bitter conflict still raging in Afghanistan now is not the time to pursue any more conflicts, especially in Iran.

"America should pursue bilateral and multilateral engagement with Iran to prevent it from securing a nuclear weapon. Although achieving progress will be difficult, robust, sustained diplomacy is the best option to address Iran's nuclear program and to prevent a costly war that would be counterproductive for us and our allies in the region."

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