Washington, D.C.- I do not support a build up of 21,500 American troops in Iraq because in my view, it is not in the best interest of our country to contribute additional troops to this war.  As part of the War on Terror, America has paid an enormous price over the past four years in an effort to keep our country and citizens safe.  The sacrifice our country has made must be met by an even stronger commitment and action by Iraq’s leaders to face the challenges of a fledgling democracy and ensure the safety and freedom of its own people.  The primary goal is to bring our troops home as quickly and safely as possible and continue to provide our brave servicemen and women currently serving in Iraq with the resources they need.

Our efforts have not been without success; we have toppled a brutal, genocidal dictator and made significant strides in facing terror around the globe.  However, the escalation of involvement, given the military and political divisions of opinion at home and the seemingly endless sectarian strife inside Iraq is not the best direction for America.

The people of America, and most importantly the 15^th District, made their collective voices heard November 7^th.  It behooves responsive and responsible public officials to listen to their message.