STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT'S TROOP SURGE PROPOSAL January 10, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. --U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis released the following statement regarding the President's proposal to increase troop levels in Iraq:

"The men and women making up our armed forces are highly capable and dedicated individuals. We have seen many of them rotate in and out of Iraq during the nearly four years since the war began. They have put their lives on the line and will continue doing so until told to do otherwise. I have witnessed their courageousness first hand during my visits at operating bases in Iraq and Afghanistan."

"In the years following the initial invasion, we have seen several surges in troop levels. We should have sent the adequate level of troops from the onset of the war. Right now we are facing an entrenched insurgency dedicated to the permanent instability of Baghdad, and consequently, Iraq. I'm not convinced, and from what I read neither are military commanders, that 20,000 more troops will change this mindset, but would just lead to more American men and women being killed. Who can say for certain these additional forces would even be enough to slow down the violence?"

"While I am not endorsing the plan put forth by Senator Joseph Biden (CT) to establish three autonomous regions or countries in Iraq, I think it warrants more scrutiny and discussion. Perhaps the only answer is to create countries where the Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds will be able to rule themselves."