FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2003
CONTACT: Kevin Schweers
SENATOR HUTCHISON RETURNS FROM MIDDLE EAST
Weeklong Swing Included Stops in Iraq, Israel, Afghanistan
DALLAS, TX -- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) has completed a comprehensive tour of the Middle East, including Iraq, Israel, Pakistan and Afghanistan, to assess American national security and foreign policy interests in the volatile region.
The trip enabled Senator Hutchison, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Military Construction Subcommittee, to review military operations and reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and Pakistan's cooperation in the war on terror.
"I am proud of the job our men and women in uniform are doing to prosecute the war on terrorism," Senator Hutchison said. "Last week I saw first hand that the enemies of freedom will stop at nothing to prevent peace and prosperity from blossoming in the region. So our commitment must be even more resolute and unwavering. I will continue my efforts to ensure our troops have the resources to get the job done."
The trip included extensive military briefings and meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, U.S. Administrator Paul Bremer, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. While in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sen. Hutchison met with soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division of Fort Hood and reserve units from Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. Joining Sen. Hutchison on the mission were Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and John Sununu (R-NH).
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