Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) released the following statement in response to the President’s announcement of a drawdown of troops from Iraq by the end of the year: 

“In 2005, I called for the first vote to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home. With the President’s announcement today, I am grateful that goal, even if it’s long overdue, will finally be reached.

“It’s heartbreaking that our nation has lost more than 4,400 service members, spent more than $799 billion, and left emotional and mental scars throughout our country and Iraq in this unjustifiable war. 

“Today’s announcement again highlights the need for President Obama to end our occupation of Afghanistan immediately.  It is time to move toward a Smart Security plan that emphasizes a diplomatic surge and a focus on development in place of warfare.  Our nation cannot afford the senseless loss of blood and treasure.  I honor the sacrifice of every American who has served in Iraq over the last eight and a half years. I look forward to their safe arrival back home and a happy reunion with their families.”

Find out more about Rep. Lynn Woolsey’s Smart Security platform here: http://woolsey.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=43&sectiontree=5,43