WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, today released the following statement in response to the Administration’s announcement that the United States will remove our troops from Iraq by the end of the year:
“I support the decision to draw down the U.S. military presence in Iraq by the end of the year. The Administration has fulfilled its commitment to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. Since 2003, the U.S. has sacrificed greatly in Iraq -- Pennsylvania has lost 197 brave servicemembers and 1233 have been wounded. We honor their sacrifice and that of their families. Many servicemembers have served on multiple deployments and spent considerable time away from home. As we approach the holidays, I look forward to welcoming home this proud new generation of Pennsylvania veterans and urge all across the Commonwealth to join me in thanking them for their valor, service and commitment to our country’s security.
Moving forward, I have serious concerns about the growing influence of Iran in the region and how this will impact the security and political environments in Iraq. The State Department will assume responsibilities for the US presence in the country and I have several questions about its capacity and ability to manage this transition. I look forward to examining this through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.”
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