Statement on Iraq

(WASHINGTON) - Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chairwoman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, today released the following statement on President Bush’s commitment to keep 140,000 American troops in Iraq:

“Today’s speech was business as usual from President Bush. 140,000 American troops will remain in Iraq for the foreseeable future with no end in sight. The war in Iraq has lasted over five years, resulted in the loss of more than 4,000 soldiers and 30,000 injured, cost us hundreds of billions of dollars that could have been spent on pressing domestic needs, stretched our military readiness to the breaking point, and diminished the United States’ reputation and ability to achieve other international priorities. Meanwhile, Americans at home are struggling with record gasoline and oil prices, looming foreclosures, and an economy teetering on the brink of recession.

“The year-long ‘surge’ has left our troops in the same position that they were previously – policing sectarian strife and consistent violence while Iraqi political leaders refuse to make the accommodations necessary for long-term peace and stability. American troops are the best in the world, and they and their families have sacrificed too much. It is time for Iraqis to step up and take charge of their own country.”