[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ELECTIONS IN IRAQ

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, all Americans are inspired by the way the 
Iraqi people once again demonstrated their courage, dedication, and 
resilience by going to the polls to place their future--and the future 
of their country--squarely on the side of democracy.
  Every American salutes our men and women in uniform who are serving 
so ably under enormously difficult circumstances, and whose dedication 
and sacrifice have made today's elections possible. More han 2,100 of 
America's finest soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and 
we owe them and their loved ones an immense debt of gratitude. We all 
hope that successful elections will give the Iraqi people new 
confidence that a brighter future lies ahead.
  Successful elections can and should be the turning point we've been 
waiting so long for, when our troops can begin to come home. As our 
Ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalizad, said today, because the training 
of the Iraqi security forces is proceeding, ``some draw down can begin 
in the aftermath of the elections.''
  An open-ended commitment of America's military forces does not serve 
America's interest and it does not serve Iraq's interest either. If 
America want a new Iraqi government to succeed, we need to let Iraqis 
take responsibility for their own future.

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