Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers

	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE		FOR MORE INFORMATION, Contact
	Tuesday, June 28, 2005		Jon Brandt, Press Secretary (202) 225-3831

	Congressman Ehlers responds to President's address on Iraq


	WASHINGTON - On Tuesday evening, President George W. Bush addressed the nation in a nationally broadcast speech from Fort Bragg, N.C., on the first anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty to the interim Iraqi authorities. In his speech, the president acknowledged that the work of bringing peace and stability to Iraq is "difficult and dangerous," but said that "we have more work to do" in Iraq and the continuing war against terrorism. The following statement is Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers' response to President Bush's address: "I thought the President gave a very good speech. He covered the ground that needed to be covered and told the American people that we are not just going to wave a magic wand, get rid of the terrorists and go home. He outlined the problems and told people what is at stake. "I think President Bush is absolutely right not to announce a date certain when we will bring our troops home. In the past, we have gone into places like Beirut and Somalia with vim and vigor, then got tired and frustrated and brought our troops home without resolving those conflicts. Tonight, President Bush tried to make it clear that we are not going to fold and run. We will stay until the problem is resolved. "Finally, I agree with President Bush that, especially as we near our celebration of Independence Day, that we should express our thanks to the individuals who serve in our armed forces. When I meet with soldiers, I am continually impressed with how dedicated and skilled they are. We all, as Americans, owe them an incredible debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and dedication.

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