U.S. Congressman Cliff Stearns (FL06)- Press Release

"The President tonight announced the end of combat operations in Iraq and the beginning of the reconstruction of Iraq. This reconstruction is more than rebuilding the destruction of war; it includes repairing the damage of Saddam Hussein's regime and building a democratic society."

"I applaud President Bush for his vision and his commitment to overcoming domestic and international obstacles to his goal of freeing an oppressed people and disarming a dangerous regime. I am especially proud of our armed force; men and women who never wavered from their difficult mission. However, their success was costly, and I mourn the loss of those killed and I pray for the quick recovery of the injured."

"The President saw a threat to our freedom and I am proud to have supported him in responding to that threat. Now that the war is over, we must ensure that the peace brings greater security to the United States and the global community, and a better life to the people of Iraq."