WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps released the following statement today on the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq:

“Today we observe a sad anniversary for our country and the world as we mark the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. 

“I have always been a stalwart opponent of the war in Iraq.  I voted against authorizing it in October 2002.  I have repeatedly voted against the open-ended funding of the war, most recently this past December.  I remain committed to bringing this disastrous war to an end as quickly as possible. 

“Over the course of this tragic war nearly 4000 of our brave troops have lost their lives, while tens of thousands more have been wounded, and countless Iraqis have died.  All of us must honor the enormous sacrifice of our military men and women and their families.  Everyday they give so much to our country and it’s important that we never lose sight of that sacrifice.  But our military has been strained to the breaking point by the demands of this war and we must repair that damage and do more to ease the burden on our soldiers and their families. 

“Today --over a year after President Bush’s escalation of the war -- Iraq remains embroiled in a bitter civil war with our troops caught in the middle, trying to referee this ongoing sectarian conflict.  Despite the promises of the Bush Administration that this escalation would finally bring stability to the region, peace and political progress have yet to be realized. 

“As this war enters its sixth year with little progress and no end in sight, I know that the majority of Americans share my commitment to bringing the war to an end as soon as possible.  The Democratic-controlled Congress has tried to do so repeatedly but the President is committed to handing off this tragedy to his successor and blind support from Republicans in Congress has enabled him to do so.  The new Congress’ increased oversight of the war has been an important step but we clearly need a new President to bring this war to a conclusion.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.