Relating to Free Elections in Iraq Held on January 30, 2005

RELATING TO FREE ELECTION IN IRAQ HELD ON JANUARY 30, 2005 -- (House of Representatives - February 02, 2005)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for his very generous remarks and commend him in turn for his leadership and the determination and dedication that he has given to human rights throughout the world and freedom throughout the world.

Having just visited Auschwitz and having his own personal sad experience in the deprivation of freedom, he is an inspiration to all of us. I hope that the trip was not too painful for the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), but again his courage and his determination are a lesson to all of us, and I thank him.

Mr. Speaker, Sunday was a historic day for the people of Iraq. In the face of violence and threats, millions of Iraqis made it clear that they want the future of their own country decided by the ballot, not by the bomb or the bullet. Their willingness to risk their lives to vote is compelling evidence of the depth of their aspiration for self-determination. Their courage commands our admiration and our respect.

The bravery of our military personnel cannot be praised highly enough. Without their selflessness in the face of great danger, the election could not have been held. Every American is inspired by their courage, their patriotism, and the sacrifice they are willing to make for our country.

Iraqis have demonstrated their desire to take responsibility for their country's future. Our effort now should be to use the momentum created by the election to help them realize that goal. Iraq needs to be made more secure. Let us intensify our efforts to train the Iraqi Army that can provide that security. The sooner we transfer the responsibility for security of Iraq over to the Iraqis, the better.

Iraq's future depends on improvements to its economic infrastructure. Let us accelerate the reconstruction efforts that have lagged so badly and give Iraqis a larger stake in having those efforts succeed.

Iraq's political future depends on the involvement of all Iraqis in the political process. Let us redouble our diplomatic efforts with Iraq's neighbors to help create an environment in which Iraq includes those who have thus far felt excluded.

We know that Sunday's election was but a step on the road to a stable and secure Iraq. The American people, who have sacrificed so much for Iraq, are owed a clear explanation by the President of his plan to end our presence in Iraq and of the standards by which they can judge that plan. I hope that we will hear that plan tonight in the President's State of the Union address.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

http://thomas.loc.gov