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Congressman Goodlatte delivers Iraq progress report
Positive steps have been made toward stabilizing Iraq, but the country is not ready for U.S. troops to leave, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th) said Monday during a conference call from Baghdad.
Goodlatte was touring the region with five other members of Congress. Goodlatte and the delegation flew to the war-torn city of Fallujah and traveled outside of the safety of the Green Zone.
"When I was here two years ago, there was never the slightest thought that a five-member Congressional delegation could have flown out to Fallujah," Goodlatte said.
"One of the things that I have found most constant over the years is the incredible dedication of our troops," he said.
The level of violence is down and number of daily attacks average around 30 and about half of those attacks are related to deactivating improvised explosive devices. The U.S is achieving success, Goodlatte said, but success in Iraq should be measured in terms of both bringing troops home and stability.
"No one should assume our commitment is forever or of unlimited duration," Goodlatte said.
This election year, the eightterm Republican Congressman will face two political newcomers, both opposed to the Iraq War.
Sam Rasoul, Democratic nominee, issued a statement opposing the Congressional war-funding bill that allowed increased spending in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Additional funding for the war is simply wasteful spending," Rasoul stated. "Unsound fiscal decisions are causing our country to go further into debt and American taxpayers will feel the burden far into the future. We should instead place priority on ensuring all Americans have health care and lowering energy costs."
Rasoul, a 27-year old smallbusiness owner, is running on a platform of systemic Congressional reform and alternative-energy solutions, including solar power and wind turbines.
Janice Lee Allen, a Bridgewater realtor, entered the race April 2 as an independent candidate. Allen is an advocate of alternative fuels and a planned-phase withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
"The Democrats lack the vision we have needed to open up oil reserves for a long time," Allen said. "The Republicans put us in Iraq and the nation is now in debt."
"We need a voice and Goodlatte has followed Bush the whole way," Allen said.
- M.K. Luther
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