Pelosi Congratulates Iraqi People on Sunday's Election
Pelosi Congratulates the Iraqi People on Sunday's Election
February 2, 2005
Washington, D.C - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke today on the House floor in support of a bipartisan resolution she co-sponsored to congratulate the people of Iraq on Sunday's election. Below are her remarks:
"Mr. Speaker, Sunday was a historic day for the people of Iraq. In the face of violence and threats, millions of Iraqis made it clear that they want the future of their own country decided by the ballot, not by the bomb or the bullet. Their willingness to risk their lives to vote is compelling evidence of the depth of their aspiration for self-determination. Their courage commands our admiration and our respect.
"The bravery of our military personnel can not be praised highly enough. Without their selflessness in the face of great danger, the election could not have been held. Every American is inspired by their courage, their patriotism, and the sacrifice they are willing to make for our country.
"Iraqis have demonstrated their desire to take responsibility for their country's future. Our effort now should be to use the momentum created by the election to help them realize that goal. Iraq needs to be made more secure: let us intensify our efforts to train an Iraqi army that can provide that security. The sooner we transfer the responsibility for the security of Iraq to the Iraqis, the better.
"Iraq's future depends on improvements to its economic infrastructure: let us accelerate the reconstruction efforts that have lagged so badly, and give Iraqis a larger stake in having those efforts succeed.
"Iraq's political future depends on the involvement of all Iraqis in the political process: let us redouble our diplomatic efforts with Iraq's neighbors to help create an environment in Iraq in which those who have thus far felt left out are included.
"We know that Sunday's election was but a step on the road to a stable and secure Iraq.
"The American people, who have sacrificed so much for Iraq, are owed a clear explanation by the President of his plan to end our presence in Iraq and of the standards by which they can judge that plan. I hope that we will hear that plan tonight in the President's State of the Union Address.
"In congratulating the Iraqi people on their achievement, we also need to acknowledge that the election should signal the beginning of a change in our relationship with Iraq."