Ruppersberger Returns from Trip to Iraq

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland 2nd) just returned from a trip to Iraq where he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki, Iraqi Speaker of the Council of Representatives Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, Iraqi Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Multinational Iraqi Force, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad and Maryland troops. 

The Congressman is a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.  He feels it is important to go to the front lines and talk to soldiers, military leaders, political leaders and intelligence workers on the ground to get a first hand account of what is going on in Iraq.    

“Important progress is being made in Iraq.  The Iraqi people have successfully created their own government.  I believe it is now time to let the Iraqi security forces take more control of their country and test their ability to secure their own nation.  I believe American troops should stop patrolling the streets of the major Iraqi cities and should instead guard the perimeter.  The troops will be available if there is an emergency but the Iraqi security forces need to take more responsibility and gain more confidence in what they can do for their country.  The ultimate goal of the United States is to completely withdraw American troops and bring our men and women in uniform home.  I believe the best way to do that is to give the Iraqi police greater and greater roles in protecting their country so they are not as dependent on the United States Military,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).   

Congressman Ruppersberger traveled to Iraq with House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois), Congressman Ray LaHood (R-Illinois), and Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Florida).  

Feel free to use the attached photographs in your publication.  

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