Iraq

The war in Iraq is critical to the international struggle against terrorism. We cannot win the War on Terror without achieving victory in Iraq.

Our military forces are performing admirably under difficult situations and deserve credit for toppling Saddam Hussein and protecting our country from terrorism. Over the past 18 months, Iraq has seen tremendous progress.

Under the experienced leadership of General David Petraeus, and now Lt. General Raymond T. Odierno, the U.S. troop surge helped to bring peace and hope to the Iraqi people – most notably in the al-Anbar province. Since 30,000 additional solders deployed in June 2007, attacks have fallen 60 percent.

Iraq’s provincial government achieved some significant milestones this year:

On February 13, 2008, the Iraqi government unanimously passed two major laws (an amnesty law and a provincial powers law)

as well as the 2008 national budget.

On September 25, 2008, the Iraqi Parliament approved legislation allowing provincial and local elections to take place in early

2009.

The Iraqi government must take advantage of the reduced violence and continue moving their country forward. They must commit to an increased role in securing and rebuilding the country so that our troops can return home as soon as possible.

Until Iraq is secure, I strongly oppose endangering our troops by reducing or cutting off military funding for our soldiers while they are in Iraq. Retreating from Iraq would dishonor the sacrifices made by our military, threaten America's national security, and doom the Middle East to chaos and warfare. Our men and women in uniform deserve our unwavering support and every resource they need to complete their mission successfully.

I will continue working to provide our soldiers with the best military equipment including body armor, up-armored vehicles, and new technologies designed to detect and jam Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Tremendous sacrifices have been made by our men and women in uniform to achieve this historic progress in Iraq, and all Americans owe a debt of gratitude to of our soldiers and their families. If you would like to volunteer to support our soldiers and their families, please visit the website of the USO or America Supports You.

PRESS RELEASES
Culberson to Democrats: Stop Playing Politics with Troop Funding , 5/15/08
U.S. Forces Achieving Results in Iraq, 9/12/07
Remembering 9/11, 9/11/07
U.S. Forces Achieving Results in Iraq, 9/12/07
Surrender is Not an Option, 5/2/07
Funding Bill Undermines War on Terror, 3/22/07
Armed Forces Tax Relief Act, 3/19/07
Culberson Statement on Iraq Resolution, 2/16/07

SPONSORED / COSPONSORED LEGISLATION IN THE 110th CONGRESS
H.R. 559 - Armed Force Tax Relief Act of 2007
H.Res. 605 - Supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day
H.Res. 953 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all Americans should participate in a moment of silence to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad
H.Res. 958 - Reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives to the patriotic and professional men and women serving in the United States Marine Corps in defense of the United States
H.CON.RES.295 --expressing the deepest appreciation of Congress to the families of members of the United States Armed Forces.
H.CON.RES.315– Supporting the idea that coalition victory in Iraq is possible.
H.CON.RES.320 – Honoring Army Specialist Monica L. Brown, extending gratitude to her and her family, and pledging continuing support for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
H.RES.541 – Recognizing the Marines of Company M (or "Mike Company") of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division on the occasion of their 25th Annual Reunion.
H.RES.691 – Commending the Wings Over Houston Airshow for its great contribution to the appreciation, understanding, and future of the United States Armed Forces, the City of Houston, Texas, and Ellington Field.
H.RES.750 – Recognizing the noble service of the 147th Fighter Wing on their 90th anniversary.
H.RES.986 – Recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict.
H.RES.1122 – Recognizing Armed Forces Day.
H.R.5825 – The Hubbard Act
H.R. 346 - To redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps
H.R. 511 - To pledge the faithful support of Congress to members of the United States Armed Forces serving in harm’s way
H.R. 1062 - Security and Victory in Iraq Act of 2007
H.R. 1439 - Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2007
H.R. 2574 - Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007
H.R. 2682 - Military Spouses Employment Act of 2007
H.R. 4368 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide special disposition rules for unused benefits in flexible spending arrangements of individuals called to active duty
H.R. 5131 - Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris Act