Perlmutter Statement on President’s Oval Office Iraq Speech

Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s speech on the withdrawal of combat troops in Iraq: “I want to thank the brave men and women of our armed forces who have served, sacrificed and will continue to serve in Iraq . Over the past seven years their commitment and sacrifice in service to our country has never wavered. I am encouraged that combat forces have been responsibly deployed out of Iraq . The generals on the ground feel security conditions in Iraq have warranted our draw down. However, 50,000 troops will still remain to train and support the Iraqi forces and will continue to be in harm’s way. The future of Iraq now rests in the hands of the Iraqi people.


“Since 2003, we have spent over $747 billion to fund the war in Iraq . This year we will spend $76 billion less than we did during the peak in fiscal year 2008 and will help to cut down the deficit and care for those troops who bear the scars of war. We owe our veterans the best medical care possible and that is why I will continue to push to build and complete the new world-class VA Medical Center at the Anschutz Medical Campus as soon as possible. To our combat troops coming home – thank you for your service and welcome home.”