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Congressman Kingston supports Iraq Resolution
Provides Briefing On Progress In Iraq With Defense Secretary Rumsfeld


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Washington, Jun 17 -

U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston (R/Ga.-1) today supported H. Res. 861, declaring that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror, which passed by a vote of 256-153.

“Passing this Resolution today sends a clear message to our servicemen and women that we support their efforts to win the Global War on Terror. As the terrorists know, the frontline for that fight is Iraq and we must stay the course until the job is finished,” Congressman Kingston said.

As Chairman of the Republican Theme Team, Congressman Kingston was asked to host a special, Members-only briefing on America’s progress in Iraq with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Thursday. In the meeting, Secretary Rumsfeld highlighted the progress and the successes that have been achieved in Iraq. In particular, the formation of the full Iraqi government and the death of al-Qaeda’s key leader in Iraq, Abu-Musab al-Zarqawi, have helped ‘turn the tables’ in Iraq.

“Among other things, Secretary Rumsfeld told us that Iraqi Prime Minister al-Malik was making headway in three key areas: reconciliation, reconstruction, and securing Baghdad,” Congressman Kingston said.

Congressman Kingston continued, “The Secretary said that political polling showed that an overall majority of Iraqis want the violence to end and that Sunnis, Shiites, and other tribes were coming together as a government to make that happen. As an example of progress on the ground, he revealed that the number of intelligence ‘tips’ had gone from 400 per month to 4,000 which increases the possibility of capturing terrorists like al-Zarqawi.

“He also said that physically, Iraq is war torn, but is being rebuilt. Basic services like electricity and water are still spotty, Despite insurgent attacks on critical transmission lines, seasonal electricity production by the Ministry of Electricity in the first quarter of 2006 was 5 percent higher than the first quarter of 2005 and 2004 and that full-year average peak generation in 2004 and 2005 was approximately equal to pre-war level of 2002.

“He said that before liberation, Iraq’s cities suffered from inadequate sewage systems. So far, the U.S. has helped Iraqis build/repair sewage treatment plants for 5.1 million Iraqis and that U.S. funded projects have also improved access to clean water for 3.1 million people.

“He told us that the Iraqi people are leading the way on the ground. He noted that Iraqi Security Forces are maintaining 60 percent of Baghdad, and that there are now 111 Iraqi Army and Special Operations battalions conducting counter-insurgency operations, and is at 86 percent of its authorized end strength.

“Despite those who say America should cut-and-run in Iraq, it’s clear that the progress made would be lost. If we were to set a leave date for our troops, Iraq would follow the Fallujah-model where the terrorists regained control of the city. Further, America would lose all credibility in the international community and we would be ensured that Iraq would become another terrorist-sponsoring country which is rich with oil.

“And finally, those who gave their lives, and the families that have sacrificed so much to help win the Global War on Terrorism, deserve completion in this war. One example of this is the late Army Chief Warrant Officer Corey Goodnature who was killed when the MH-47 Chinook helicopter that he was aboard crashed in Asadabad, Afghanistan in the Kunar Province. Here is a letter Corey wrote saying what fighting the war on terrorism means to him.”

September 9, 2003

Dear Julie and Isle of Hope Church Members,

Sorry it has taken me so long to write this but I am again deployed and have been very busy. I hope I am getting this to you in enough time to be read at the September 11th Memorial Service. When you first contacted me to write something I found it hard to think about what to say. The fact is I could talk for hours about all the emotions, sweat, and the countless experiences I’ve had in combating fighting to war on terrorism.

The tragedy of September 11, 2001 hit very close to home for my family. Lori and I grieved with the rest of the country after the tragic loss of our fellow Americans. Soon we found ourselves preparing for my deployment to combat to fight the regimes and groups responsible for that attack.

I am now on my third deployment to Southwest Asia and will certainly have many more I am sure. Through it all God has played an overwhelming role in keeping me safe both in body and spirit. Lori and I both can attest that without his caring hand the last two years could have been disastrous for our relationship. Our faith in him has helped us actually become closer during so much separation from each other. He works in wondrous ways and most people would not believe that two people can grow closer together and love one another more and more through such long and trying separations.

I can also say I have felt his protective shield before me as I have been out on missions. To put it simply and truthfully I could not have done it nor continue to do this without God’s presence in my life. As I sit and write this letter on a dark and dusty night I would like to say I am proud of what we have done, I would not have wanted to be anywhere else, and hope I can contribute more to this fight in the future. I do this for all those who were taken from us two years ago on Sept. 11, I do it for everyone back at home, and I will continue to serve for the future of our country.

With Christian Love,

Corey Goodnature


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