OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Iraqi Security Forces Gaining Ground in Iraq

Date: June 13, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Foreign Affairs


IRAQI SECURITY FORCES GAINING GROUND IN IRAQ

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as the House prepares to consider a resolution for victory in the global war on terrorism, I would like to congratulate U.S. troops and coalition forces for training Iraqi security forces.

In 3 years, coalition troops have transformed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi volunteers into battle-tested Iraqi security forces. The Defense Department's quarterly report recently stated that there are more than 263,400 trained and equipped Iraqi security forces. Additionally, the Iraqi Army now controls 30,000 square miles of territory, an area roughly the size of my home State of South Carolina. Nearly two-thirds of combat operations are now conducted by Iraqis alone or jointly with coalition forces.

Day by day, Iraqis are defeating terrorists and gaining control over their country. Progress in Iraq is helping to ensure security in America, and we must remain committed to completing this critical mission protecting American families.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

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