CONGRESSMAN BRIAN BILBRAY

STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S ADDRESS

(Washington D.C.)- Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad) issued the following statement regarding President Bush’s address to the nation concerning the War in Iraq:

“For months, Congress and the American people have been calling on a new way forward in Iraq.  A different approach that outlined a strategy that could achieve an Iraq that can govern, defend and sustain itself.  Tonight, the President offered a new strategy designed to produce different results.  For the first time, the President acknowledged the failures of the past and pressed the need for a critical evaluation of how we can win.  He talked about a new military mission that will eventually lead to political reconciliation, economic stability and an Iraqi-led force.”

Specifically addressing the President’s call for a troop increase, Congressman Bilbray said:

“I think the question we need to ask ourselves is whether or not we are willing to do what is necessary to win in Iraq?  There are numerous complications within Iraq including a weak government, security forces that have not been dependable and ongoing sectarian violence between Sunni and Shi’a factions.  The deployment of additional troops is to support Iraq’s new plan for stability.  Here you have, for the first time really, the Iraqi government taking ownership of the situation and they are asking for our support.  How can we not answer that call?”

Regarding the Democratic leadership’s announced opposition to a troop increase:

“This is a time when Democrats and Republicans need to put partisanship aside and focus on the best interests of our country.  The President’s proposal deserves thoughtful discussion and debate but that dialogue should be free of partisan tactics and political grandstanding.”

A new role for Iraq:

“I think that we can’t win the War in Iraq unless the Iraq government demonstrates a real commitment to take ownership over their region’s conflicts.  Prime Minister al-Maliki has provided the President with a detailed plan for transitioning security responsibility to Iraqi forces in 2007.  What the President did tonight was clearly lay out the benchmarks that the Iraq government needs to meet.  As long as they follow-through with their newfound promise of engagement, we should continue to support their efforts.” 

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