|
News from
Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Weiskotten, 202-226-8553
Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449
HERSETH
SANDLIN STATEMENT ON PETRAEUS/CROCKER TESTIMONY
September
10, 2007, Washington, D.C. –
Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin released the following statement today
following the testimony of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan
Crocker before the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees:
“I appreciate today’s testimony
from General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. I want to reiterate the
words of Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, who praised
both men for their capable service to our nation.
“It comes as no surprise
that, as General Petraeus testified today, we have seen some security
improvements in parts of Baghdad over the past few months. I have never
doubted that sending tens of thousands of additional American troops
into any situation across the globe would have a positive effect on
security. Our soldiers continue to perform superbly, completing mission
after mission and doing everything we have asked of them.
“However, like most South
Dakotans, I’m sorely disappointed that the objective of the President’s
surge strategy – to give the Iraqi government time to reconcile key
political differences – has yet to be realized. The inaction and ineffectiveness
of the elected leadership in Iraq has resulted in continued danger and
loss of life and limb and other injuries for our troops. It has also
resulted in increased impatience and skepticism among many here in the
United States regarding the Iraqis’ ability to resolve a number of serious
and fundamental issues necessary for stability to take hold.
“As Congress evaluates the
options that remain, I believe we must continue to focus on how best
to create the conditions for accountability in Iraq – in both the political
and diplomatic realm – while also accounting for the unanticipated demands
placed on our military forces.”
#
# #
Congresswoman
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.
She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats
committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is
co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the
profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three
committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’
Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin
was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee
on Energy Independence and Global Warming.
|
