Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today praised U.S. troops and diplomats for their efforts to increase security and stability in Iraq.  With the President set to announce a shift in the U.S. mission in Iraq this evening, McKeon also highlighted a Congressional resolution introduced in late July to honor U.S. military and civilian personnel for the success they have achieved in Iraq.

“As the President should acknowledge tonight, the success of the surge is undeniable, and our troops, along with their families, deserve great credit for their courage and sacrifice.  The service and sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of U.S. forces has been vital to ensure the protection of U.S. national interests and the security of Iraq,” said McKeon.

“Our military and civilian personnel in Iraq have answered the call of duty.  We must ensure the remaining 50,000 U.S. forces—and their civilian counterparts—advising and assisting the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi Security Forces have the resources, authorities, support and protection they need to finish the job.”

“The Administration and Congress have a responsibility to continue to fully support post-combat Iraq to ensure these hard-fought gains translate into a strategic gain in the region for the United States,” concluded McKeon.

In late July, McKeon joined with Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee to introduce H. Con. Res. 310, legislation which honors the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving in, or have served in, Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The resolution also:

• Extends the House of Representatives’ gratitude to all those within the military and civilian departments and agencies of the United States Government responsible for directing the implementation of the “surge strategy” and bringing security and stability to Iraq, including General David Petraeus and General Raymond Odierno;

• Recognizes the importance and significance of success in Iraq;

• Commits the House of Representatives to working with President Obama and the Administration to build on the military success in Iraq since the “surge strategy” was implemented; and

• Recognizes that the President and the Administration have a responsibility to build a lasting strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq.