As announced by the President, the United States will be drawing down its troops in Iraq in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed in November 2008. U.S. troops will be pulled back from Iraqi cities by summer 2009 and leave the country by 2011.

The Congressman opposed the initial surge strategy that led to a U.S. troop presence in Iraq that peaked at approximately 160,000 to 170,000 troops. While the United States can and should provide assistance, he believes that it is time for the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people to take charge of their securing and rebuilding their country. He strongly supports a safe and orderly withdrawal for our forces.

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Congressman Lynch continues to actively participate in the Committee’s ongoing investigation and oversight of our reconstruction efforts in Iraq. From February 26 - March 3, 2009, he led his most recent bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Iraq, consisting of Democratic and Republican Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to continue examining the political and military situation. This was the Congressman’s eleventh time traveling to Iraq. These trips offer important opportunities to meet with Iraqi leaders, U.S. military and leaders and to see firsthand the progress of reconstruction. In addition, he takes the time to meet some of the men and women supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to thank them for their tireless efforts and dedication.

Congressman Lynch takes very seriously Congress’ mandate to exercise strong oversight to ensure that taxpayer funds are being spent properly. The United States has already spent over $650 billion in Iraq and more funds are expected to be allocated in 2009. In light of reports of fraud and abuse in Iraq reconstruction contracts, the Congressman has focused his efforts on determining the causes for the delays and cost overruns and ensuring that stronger controls are put in place to protect against such abuses.