DeLauro Responds to President's Remarks on Iraq

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement in response to President Obama's remarks tonight regarding the end of combat operations in Iraq.

"Today is an important day for our country— we are one step closer to the end of a war and the complete redeployment of all our troops out of Iraq by the end of 2011.

"Our troops' valor and commitment, as always, has been extraordinary. In fighting for America during wartime, they have risked life and limb in service of our country, and we owe all our troops and veterans a debt we can never repay. Their courage is an inspiration, and we look forward to their safe return.

"And I praise the President for honoring his commitment to our troops by ending our combat role in Iraq. I expect that he will stick to the timeline set out in the US-Iraq Security Agreement, and look forward to our future diplomatic role in the country.

"I believe that our military involvement in Iraq has been a colossal waste of resources, and has not addressed the threats we face today. As Vice President Biden has said, al Qaeda is not based primarily in Iraq or Afghanistan."