Security and progress in Iraq is now more important than ever.  Yesterday’s testimony from General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker clearly proves that the surge has been successful and the situation in Iraq has improved. This has made America safer.  We must not forget, though, that this progress can easily be reversed.  Our presence in Iraq is still required for success in the Global War on Terror.  I recently spent time in the Middle East visiting Iraq and several other countries.  I have seen first-hand the progress which General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker describe.  Violence is down and Iraqis are no longer standing on the sidelines – politically or economically. This week I met with several members of Vets for Freedom from my district.  These brave Americans told me that all they want is the opportunity for victory in Iraq.  They also confirmed that decreasing our presence in Iraq during this vital stage of the war would be crippling to our efforts.  Therefore, it is our duty to the American people to stay focused on the mission and remain committed to measureable progress until the war is won.

Rep. Burgess is the Vice Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 10th, 2008 at 12:07 pm and is filed under Uncategorized .