[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H11658-H11659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IRAQ'S PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

  (Mr. CONAWAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Iraqi 
people. Today, millions of people in Iraq are headed to the polls to 
cast their vote for a free and open society. This vote stands directly 
in opposition to the prior government which was predicated on terror 
and fear, and ruled by the iron fist of one of the world's most vicious 
dictators. This is the most powerful blow to the terrorists and 
rejectionist elements of the Iraqi insurgency to date. Iraqis are 
determining their own destination, their own destiny, and by doing so 
they have reached an important benchmark drawing the U.S. closer to 
victory and reducing American presence in Iraq. Today's parliamentary 
elections in Iraq

[[Page H11659]]

have the makings of a watershed moment in history, not only for the 
Middle East, but for the long-term security of the United States.
  A democratic Iraq is absolutely essential to winning the global war 
on terror. Now, more than ever, America's leaders must stand united 
behind the Iraqi people as they venture forward in the hope for a 
better future.

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