Floor Speech - June 2, 2004

One step close to sovereignty

Mr. Speaker, 

Yesterday was a big day for Iraq. 

As The Washington Post reports this morning, "A diverse group of secular figures, political independents, and technical specialists was appointed Tuesday to serve as Iraq's caretaker administration."

As we come to the turnover of sovereignty to this government, we must keep in mind how important our effort in Iraq is. 

A free Iraq would be a death blow to the terrorists. 

For too long the people of this region have had no say in the direction of their nations. 

On June 30, we move one step closer to seeing a nation choose its own course.

The President has been a firm, steady leader during this trying time. 

He has rightly said that we have not freed Iraq to make them into Americans; we have freed Iraq to allow them to live in freedom. 

Iraq has the potential to be a great ally in the Middle East. 

Success there is critical.