January 10, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. -
Congressman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) issued the following statement on the President's address to the nation on sending additional American forces to Baghdad.

“I am deeply disturbed by the deteriorating nature of security in Iraq. The violence among Iraqi parties is very distressing, and until their elected and unelected leaders begin putting Iraq first — and not their own factions — nothing will get resolved.

“My view has always been that when it comes to places like Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers should shoulder the responsibility for shutting down the insurgents and militias, while U.S. forces provide auxiliary support such as training and special operations. The Iraqis need to be the ones who end the violence so the entire country can enjoy the freedom won at the cost of 3,000 American lives. Our role should not be to police the streets of Baghdad to keep these warring factions apart. We cannot do for the Iraqis what they will not do for themselves.

“While I remain skeptical of any increases of American forces in Baghdad, the President’s plan deserves the full consideration of Congress. I will carefully study the details as they emerge.”

Congressman Walden represents 20 counties in central, southern and eastern Oregon . He is a Deputy Whip in the House Leadership Structure and a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.