Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement regarding national elections that will take place tomorrow in Iraq:

“Iraq’s national elections represent a milestone in the journey to secure Iraq. But we have miles to go before Iraqis will see a peaceful and democratic Iraq.

“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I commend all the women and men in our U.S. Armed Forces who have made this election possible through their sacrifices and service.

“We must remain optimistic about the outcome of these elections and equally prepared for the realistic possibility that violence will continue. 

“Having twice traveled to Iraq, I saw firsthand that the Iraqi security forces are far from ready to take on by themselves an escalating insurgency. The resulting burden on U.S. forces, especially members of our National Guard and Reserves, is staggering.

“We must find a better balance in Iraq, one that relieves the pressure on our Guard and Reserves, all of whom have left their jobs and families for a far longer time than anyone could have imagined. It will be just as critical after the elections as it was before them to recruit and train Iraqi security forces.

“The burden on our active and reserve forces will not end even after we have left Iraq if this administration continues its policy of preemption. At this rate, our armed services, particularly the Reserves and National Guard, will not have time to recover. This is already evident with recently reported low recruitment rates in the National Guard.

“Looking to Iraq, the next milestone will be whether Iraqis can write a strong, fair and inclusive constitution. I will continue my part in Congress and on the Armed Services Committee to support our troops as we continue down the long road toward an independent Iraq.”

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He represents Washington’s 2nd Congressional District, including Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, in the U.S. House of Representatives. Larsen most recently returned from Iraq in October 2004.