[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1269]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING THE IRAQI PEOPLE ON AN HISTORIC ELECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2005

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the people of Iraq 
for going to the polls this weekend to participate in their first free 
elections in over 50 years. In many cases, Iraqis defied death threats 
to take another significant step toward rebuilding their country and 
reconstituting a society built on democracy. The huge number of people 
who voted is clear evidence of the historic transformation ongoing in 
Iraq. Their actions serve as a signal to the United States and to the 
world that Iraqis are anxious to embrace freedom.
  As independent accounts have verified, the turnout for Iraq's 
elections surpassed all expectations. But let it not be called a 
surprise, Mr. Speaker, that the people of this country, no longer 
living under a cloud of fear, are eager to freely elect a leader to 
lead a free Iraq.
  As President Bush has said, it was the Iraqi people who made this 
election a resounding success. But it also bears mentioning that these 
elections would not have been possible without the leadership of 
President Bush. It also bears mentioning that these elections would not 
have occurred had it not been for the will of enlightened countries 
that allied with us in our war on terrorism. From the first day of the 
invasion, through the toppling of a tyrant, to today, these countries 
stand firm in their commitment to fight terrorism.
  I commend the Iraqi people for their strength and willingness to 
embrace freedom. I know many have died in making this day possible and 
we mourn those we have lost. Though this election is just one step, it 
is representative of the Iraqi commitment to a brighter future, a 
future that I believe, Mr. Speaker, is based on peace and freedom.

                          ____________________