Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) issued the following statement after President Obama spoke at Fort Bragg today before the many brave troops who have returned from service in Iraq.  Earlier this year, President Obama promised that all American combat troops will be out of Iraq by the end of the year.  Rep. Engel is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“I applaud President Obama for his decision to bring our troops home. I hope in the not-so-distant future he can do the same in Afghanistan.  After nearly nine years, the war in Iraq is finally coming to a close.  The President fulfilled his campaign promise to end the war, which has lasted twice as long as World War II, and cost our nation billions of dollars and approximately 4,500 American lives.  Our brave men and women are home for the holidays knowing that they served their country honorably and well, and for that, they have the gratitude of the entire nation.”

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