Washington, Sep 13, 2007 -  

U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31), House Conference Secretary, issued the following statement in response to the President’s new strategy for the way forward in Iraq.

“I want to commend the President for taking a careful and deliberate approach to unveiling a new strategy for the way forward in Iraq. He has listened to the recommendations of General Petraeus and has developed a plan that will lead to a more secure Iraq and a more secure America.

“Our troops have made substantial progress throughout the region. After returning from my fourth trip to Iraq, I can testify that what General Petraeus reported about the decreasing level of violence is true. We can be proud of the tremendous job our men and women in uniform are doing. We all want to see our troops return home as soon as possible, and tonight the President presented a plan to begin withdrawing American troops in response to the success that has been achieved. What I appreciate about this new strategy is that the President allowed the military leaders to develop this plan based on their military experience and expertise. This is not a plan that was drawn up by Washington politicians based on political calculations.

“The President has asked Congress to come together and adopt bi-partisan policy that allows our men and women in uniform to achieve success and return home safely. Now is the time to cast aside our political labels and work collectively to give our troops the opportunity they need to finish the job with victory and march them home under the American flag – not the white flag.”