WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand announced her formal opposition to the President's troop escalation plan. The announcement followed an Armed Service Committee hearing in which the Congresswoman heard testimony from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Below is a brief statement from the Congresswoman:

"The President's proposal for an increase in troops, and today's testimony by Secretary Gates, have failed to provide a clear strategy for success and a plan to reduce violence and bring long-term stability to the region.

"At this point the future of Iraq rests squarely on the shoulders of the Iraqi people. The solution to peace in the region is a political one - not a military one. The American people need to see a commitment from the Iraqi people that they are serious about taking responsibility for their own security and stability.

"America's commitment in Iraq should not be open-ended and I will continue to encourage this Administration to put Iraq on notice that we will redeploy our troops. A defined notice period for redeployment will be the best way to force the Iraqi government to step up to the plate, make the necessary compromises, and take responsibility for their future."

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