[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 160 (Wednesday, December 14, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H11510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          IRAQ SOLIDARITY DAY

  (Mr. PRICE of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Iraqis tomorrow will vote and 
America will stand firmly behind them for this historic milestone. 
While we look into the future, it is instructive to look back just a 
few short years. Iraqis lived in fear. ``Freedom of expression'' were 
three words most Iraqis thought they would never experience, and a 
brutal dictator oppressed millions of people.
  Now optimism and success are sweeping Iraq. Hundreds of candidates 
vying for 275 representative spots are a product of this success. In 
the span of a few short years, Iraq's economic sector is setting the 
stage for growth. Introducing a new currency, reopening their stock 
exchange, loans to encourage small businesses, and infrastructure 
improvements are just a start.
  More Iraqi security forces are being trained every day; and today, 
over 210,000 have been trained and equipped. The election this week is 
the next important step that must be taken in order to allow our men 
and women to begin coming home, having accomplished a great deal.
  Mr. Speaker, tomorrow will be a historic day for Iraq, and all 
America will watch proudly as we witness freedom and democracy coming 
to reality before our eyes.

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