Rep. Schakowsky Statement on President's Announcement to Withdraw U.S. Troops from Iraq

WASHINGTON D.C. (October 21, 2011) —Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)released the following statement in response to President Obama's announcement of the withdrawal of virtually all U.S. troops from Iraq by end of 2011:

"I applaud President Obama's announcement that he will bring our brave military men and women home from Iraq by the end of the year.

As a founding member of the Out of Iraq Congressional Caucus, I have consistently opposed President Bush's decision to get us into an unnecessary, unfunded war that has cost our country the lives of over 4,400 American soldiers and uncounted innocent Iraqi civilians.

To date, the war in Iraq has also cost the American people more than $1 trillion and untold burdens on military families. I thank President Obama for his resolve in ending this war and in meeting the needs of returning veterans by creating jobs and improving health care services for those injured.

While I believe that we must still monitor the number and activities of private contractors that the U.S. will maintain in Iraq, I am grateful that members of our armed forces will be home for the holidays and we will not have to endure another year of military action in Iraq....

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CONTACT: Adjoa Adofo, 202.225.2111
adjoa.adofo@mail.house.gov