Washington, D.C. - Rep. Peter Welch and the bipartisan congressional delegation that traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan last week were invited to the White House this morning by President George Bush to brief him on their observations from the trip.

The six member delegation met with the President, Vice President Dick Cheney, and national security staff in the Oval Office for just under an hour.

Welch used the opportunity to urge the President to change course in Iraq and end the war.

"I told the President that the time had come to end this war. I explained to him that this trip reaffirmed for me why I believe we must impose a date certain to bring our troops home," said Welch.

"Regrettably, the President is firmly locked into his position. He made clear he will veto legislation that would impose a deadline for withdrawal," added Welch.

Welch also observed from the trip that there is little prospect for success in Iraq if Iraqi leaders don't enact policies that demonstrate they are willing to accept responsibility for their country's future.

"We cannot sustain an open-ended commitment to refereeing a civil war," said Welch.

Welch believes that Congress must revoke the President's blank check, require accountability of both the President and the Iraqis, and impose a date certain with the force of law to end the war.

Joining Welch were Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC), Rep. Steven Lynch, (D-MA), Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA), and Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT).

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