For the first time in over two decades, the people of Iraq are free from the oppression of a brutal dictator who plundered the nation’s wealth to build lavish palaces and compounds while allowing millions of his own people to go without the basic necessities of life. In 2005, the Iraqi people courageously went to the polls three times to prove that they are no longer willing to submit to the atrocities of Saddam Hussein and his death squads, and tens of thousands of proud Iraqi citizens are now standing up to secure their homeland, despite the dangers of service in the police and military forces.

Having traveled to Iraq three times since Operation Iraqi Freedom began, I have personally witnessed the drive and passion that the Iraqi’s feel for the establishment of a stable democracy within their country. I was shown to me that the citizens are no longer willing to yield to the brutal threats and attacks of insurgents and that these terrorists are finding that their areas of safe haven are diminishing as well.

The people of Iraq also expressed how grateful they are of the service of the brave men and women of the United States Military. Knowing that many of these soldiers come from my own district, I too am proud of their service, and I can unequivocally say that the United States has the greatest, most respectable force that this world has ever known.