FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2005

CONTACT: Stacey Farnen Bernards (202) 225 - 3130

Hoyer: Iraqi Election Critical to That Nation’s Future, and America’s Presence There

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in response to President Bush’s speech in Philadelphia on Iraq:

“The President broke no new ground in his speech today.  In most respects, his remarks were simply a restatement of earlier comments describing what he hopes will happen in Iraq while failing to detail a plan for how the U.S. is going to help Iraqis make it happen.

“Iraq’s election of a new government on Thursday is an absolutely critical step in that nation’s future, as well as in reducing and eventually eliminating the need for an American presence there.  A successful election is a prerequisite to the formation of a legitimate Iraqi government that can take full responsibility for the security and prosperity of its people.  I am hopeful that this week’s elections will be successful and be a decisive step in the right direction for Iraq and the United States.”

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