Pryce Addresses Women's Bar Association at Annual Dinner

Praises Historic Independence for Women in Iraq, Predicts Law Will Be New Voice for Freedoms in Region

Washington, DC-Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH-15) addressed the Women's Bar Association Foundation's Annual Awards Dinner last evening and highlighted a new found democracy in Iraq and the promise new laws will bring to region for women: 

"Our nation is engaged in a new strategic vision that is about much more than winning a simple battle or even establishing a peaceful society in Iraq.  It's about creating a new kind of society in an area of the world where democratic values are rare.

"I think it's fair to say that U.S. soldiers have liberated more women in the last two years than anyone or anything else in the last 20 - maybe longer.  Still, changing 2000 years of tradition isn't going to happen with stroke of a pen.  It will take time. 

"Many things will help bring Iraq into the world of peaceful, free, democratic nations, but in the end, nothing will be more important to fulfilling this mission and in giving voice to the women of Iraq than the law.

"If I were asked to give you one good reason why we should stay in Iraq, I would tell you we should stay for the women.  If we can make the values of a free society, the rule of law work for the women of Iraq, we create the conditions for these new democratic values to take root and spread."

The theme of this year's dinner was "From the Right to Vote....To Winning the Vote:  Women in Leadership."  The dinner celebrates women who serve the public as elected leaders and those who advance women's participation in the political process.

Congresswoman Pryce, a former prosecutor and judge in the Franklin County Municipal Court, represents the Fifteenth District of Ohio, which includes Western Franklin County, Madison, and Union Counties.  She serves as Chairman of the House Republican Conference for the 108th Congress, making her the fourth ranking member of House leadership.