Boehner, House Republicans Witness Iraqi Progress FirsthandPosted by Kevin Smith on February 7th, 2009
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) led a six-member delegation of House Republicans to visit Iraq yesterday just a week after provincial elections were held successfully and without significant violence. House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), Armed Services Committee Ranking Republican John McHugh (R-NY), Intelligence Committee Ranking Republican Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), and Reps. Tom Latham (R-IA) and Jo Bonner (R-AL) joined the trip. First and foremost, the Iraqis should be congratulated on last week’s successful provincial elections — which were held without any major violence. Each opportunity Iraqis have to participate in the political process in a peaceful manner increases Iraq’s stability and marginalizes terrorist organizations, like al-Qaeda, and Iranian-linked extremist groups. It is yet another positive sign that the Iraqis are taking greater control of their future, and it was evident in the briefings members held throughout the day with Iraqi political leaders and our commanders on the ground. While last week’s success is another important milestone, as General Odierno and Ambassador Crocker reminded the members yesterday in our meeting, the gains created by the surge and the political reconciliation process are fragile and reversible. Al Qaeda is still looking to wreak havoc where it can, and while violence is down sharply throughout the country, the mission is not yet complete. The members also met with President Jalal Talabani and discussed the recently-signed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the blueprint for ensuring Iraq stays on the current successful path. They also discussed the future of the Middle East, the Iranian influence, and the Iraqi economy. Boehner thanked Talabani for his leadership and commitment to the future of his country. Lastly, the members had an eye-opening visit with Major General John Kelly (USMC) at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province. The “Anbar Awakening” has turned into a model for the rest of the country. Major General Kelly reported that Anbar Iraqi Security Forces have assumed full lead in protecting the population, and that the provincial elections occurred last week without any violence. He reported that while the insurgency has largely been defeated (the first 90 yards of the field), the last 10 yards must be won by the government of Iraq. All signs indicate they are on the right track. The visit also had significance as members visited with troops from their local districts. The Greenville, Ohio national guard unit is stationed at the air base, and Leader Boehner visited with them after the briefing yesterday. American troops have made remarkable progress in Iraq under the leadership of General Petraeus, General Odierno, and Ambassador Crocker over the last two years. Now is not the time to let our guard down, all of the members agreed. One more thing they agreed on: The resolve, commitment and sacrifice shown by our military forces each and every day is nothing short of amazing and humbling to watch, and it was evident at every stop. Baird on his Fellow Democrats: “We ought to just say [the surge] worked.”Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on August 27th, 2008
In a Seattle Times column today entitled “Iraq Buildup Succeeds, Brian Baird Still an Outcast,” Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) speaks about his support for the surge last year:
On the response from his Democrat colleagues, Baird said:
Links for May 6, 2008: Democrats’ Broken PromisesPosted by Nick on May 6th, 2008
Democrats Plan Breaking Deficit Discipline Promise Again (AP)
War funding would break Dem promises (Politico)
Members outraged over flexibility of pay-go rules (The Hill)
Podcast UpdatePosted by Nick on April 9th, 2008
Audio from the April 9th Republican Leadership Stakeout can now be found on the House Republican Leader Podcast. If iTunes is installed on your computer, you can click here to subscribe. MORE: Past episodes and more information on Podcasts On General Petraeus’ Testimony and Continued Progress in IraqPosted by GOP Leader Press Office on April 7th, 2008
Today in a Townhall.com Op-ed, Leader Boehner previews the upcoming testimony by General David Petraeus:
Also today in a Wall Street Journal Op-ed, Senators Joe Lieberman (I- CT) and Lindsay Graham (R-SC) further outline the dramatic achievements of General Petraeus and the troops he commands:
Stand Firm on IraqPosted by Nick on April 3rd, 2008
A Washington Times editorial today echoed House Republicans in stating that undeniable progress is being made by our troops in Iraq:
MORE: Boehner Delivers Remarks to American Legion (4/1/008) Boehner Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of the Iraq War (3/19/08)
Links for April 1, 2008Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on April 1st, 2008
GOP to go on Iraq message offensive (Politico) GOP aims to blunt Democrats’ Iraq stance (The Washington Times)
Republicans Launch Salvo in Message War Over Iraq (CQ) Bernanke meets with House GOP leaders (The Washington Times) On the Fifth Anniversary of Operation Iraqi FreedomPosted by Nick on March 19th, 2008
From the House Armed Services Committee Republicans: Rep. John McHugh (R-NY), Military Personnel Subcommittee Ranking Republican:
Links for March 19, 2008Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on March 19th, 2008
Iraq Five Years On: The Coalition Is Winning the War Against Al-Qaeda (The Heritage Foundation)
Iraqi law paves way for provincial vote (AP)
Links for February 7, 2008Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on February 7th, 2008
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