[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 194 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H9909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           END OF WAR IN IRAQ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Brooks). Under the Speaker's announced 
policy of January 5, 2011, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Fortenberry) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the 
majority leader.
  Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the official end of 
America's 9-year war in Iraq. In a low-key ceremony in Baghdad, U.S. 
troops lowered the American flag of command that flew over the Iraqi 
capital. The 4,000 remaining U.S. servicemembers in Iraq will leave by 
this year's end.
  The Iraq war was a painful and difficult time, extraordinarily costly 
in terms of Americans, America's lives and resources. Nearly 4,500 
Americans, including 45 Nebraskans, were killed in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. 227 Nebraskans were wounded in combat. Tens of thousands of 
Iraqis lost their lives. We lost good men and women, individuals full 
of life and blessed with talent, whose proud families awaited their 
return to the country they loved so dear and served so well.
  But in spite of our wounds, we are proud--proud of our fallen heroes, 
proud of the veterans who have come back to us, proud of their 
sacrifice, proud of their noble vision that has significantly changed 
the global environment where democratic ideals are now making steady 
gains everywhere.
  The work of our troops, steadily done in the midst of extensive 
public debate and strategy deliberations about the war was the strength 
of this mission. These troops achieved what was set before them. The 
victories were theirs. Their unwavering commitment, their skill, and 
their bravery got the job done.
  The troops' efforts unbound an Iraqi people held hostage for decades 
by an egomaniacal dictator. Insurgencies led by terrorists seeking to 
wreak havoc and disorder were put down by our troops. Space was created 
to allow Iraqis the time necessary to build the foundations of a 
representative government in a more open society.
  But there are still challenges and significant obstacles. It would 
have been preferable, Mr. Speaker, for a small stay-behind force to 
remain for ongoing response and stabilization efforts.
  The way forward will not be easy, but today Iraqis determine Iraq's 
future. No longer constricted by the dictates of a despot, they have 
held elections, they have written a constitution, and hopefully they 
will build a culture that respects the rights and dignity of all of 
their people.
  America and the world needs a stabilized Iraq. Our security is 
strengthened by it, and we will continue a strong, diplomatic 
relationship to help achieve it. An Iraq that protects the rights of 
all of its people, Sunni and Shiite, Christian and Yazidi, and employs 
a government that maintains order and preserves liberties will be an 
Iraq that can help transform the entire Middle East looking for a new 
way forward.
  The foundation for this has been laid, after much toil and bloodshed, 
by valiant American soldiers who return to us now as modern-day heroes.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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