Dreier, Colleagues Visit Troops, Local Officials in Iraq

March 29, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, and five of his colleagues spent time on the ground in Iraq this weekend, meeting with American troops and leaders of the new Iraqi government. While there, Dreier addressed the First Marine Regiment at Camp Fallujah, Iraq. The Congressional delegation brought several items to the troops including phone cards donated by AT&T, tourniquets donated by La Verne-based Bio Cybernetics, and school supplies for local Iraqi children.

“To the troops, we simply said THANK YOU, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the American and Iraqi people,” Dreier said. “They have accomplished an incredible amount and are helping the Iraqi people make real progress. We all benefited tremendously from hearing from these men and women first hand about the challenges they face. It was very heartening to get such a positive update.”

Dreier and his colleagues also met with leaders of the Iraqi government, including interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, whom he praised for persevering in the face of violence and doubt. “There were many doubters,” Dreier said. “But obviously Mr. Allawi was not one of these doubters, and he is one who was able to portend the future, and he did so with great success.” Additionally, they met with current Vice President and candidate for the position of Prime Minister in the new government, Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

Additional stops on the trip include Lebanon, Cyprus, and Brussels, Belgium. The delegation will return this weekend.