Washington D.C.  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today returned from a six-day congressional delegation mission to Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. The ten Members of Congress on the bipartisan mission met with U.S. troops, received briefings from U.S. officials, and met with Middle Eastern leaders.

"I have really reached a greater understanding of the Middle East, its people, and what is at stake with the U.S. commitment there," Emerson said. "And my appreciation for the role of our young men and women in uniform is indescribable. They are really working hard, they believe in their mission, but they want to come home, too. This is a brave group of Americans serving in order to make the world safer for everyone. I want them to be able to get home as soon as our work in Iraq is done.

"We need to have some Iraqi leadership as soon as possible. When the Iraqi people are fully invested in their own nation and the international community lends its full assistance, then we can start bringing our troops home. Our immediate goal is to create stability – and I can now see how careful our efforts must be.

"I am convinced that the Iraqi people need our help, and I am sure the world is safer because of our efforts. This is a fundamental change for the people of the region, though, and it will take some getting used to on their part."

Emerson will hold a conference call today for all media at 2:30 p.m. CST – details will follow.