Dreier Applauds Our Troops, Iraqi People for a Year's Progress in New Iraq

March 22, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas) , Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve a resolution commending the accomplishments of American troops and their allies and the bravery of the Iraqi people since Operation Iraqi Freedom began one year ago this week. The resolution was expected to pass with broad bipartisan support.

"It's been a year since our troops lead a coalition of forces into Iraq with the aim of toppling a totalitarian regime and removing a safe harbor for terrorists," Dreier said. "One year later, a country has been liberated, a dictator has been captured, and a message has been sent to terrorists - we will defeat you, no matter where you lurk. Such progress has only been possible because of the tireless commitment of our Armed Forces, and those of the 34 nations assisting us, to provide security on the ground. It is dangerous territory, and the forces of evil - whether they be Baathist remnants or infiltrated al-Qaeda sympathizers - are a constant threat. In the past year, we have lost over 550 of our best and brightest Americans, with another 3,190 wounded. That number, as with any conflict is too high. Without question, we owe the soldiers we lost, the soldiers who remain, and their families an enormous amount of gratitude. But if there is any solace, it is knowing that because of their actions, America and the world are safer places today with the Hussein regime dismantled."

Dreier noted that while terrorists continue to try and derail the progress in Iraq and the successful transition of power, our resolve must remain strong. "It would be all to easy to for the United States to leave Iraq now and let the Iraqi people fend for themselves. Avoiding conflict is always the path of least resistance, and is always politically expedient. But unlike previous conflicts, terrorism cannot be contained. It has no boundaries, it knows no rules. The only recipe for success in this war is our resolve to defeat the terrorists where we see them - and promote democracy where we can."

"I hope that we have a strong bipartisan vote on this resolution here today so that we may quickly translate it into Arabic and send it off to Saddam in his cell. Thanks to our military, I'm sure he has plenty of free time to read it."