IARC Supports Bipartisan House Vote Against Troop Withdrawal in Iraq
Monday, November 21st, 2005 Press Releases by IARCContact: Dino Teppara, IARC Spokesman
Washington, D.C.
(202) 347-1223
November 21, 2005
Today, the Indian American Republican Council (IARC) praised the bipartisan House vote against immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq.
“The vote in Congress overwhelmingly proves the point that we must stay the course in Iraq and support the Iraqi people as they bring democracy to their nation and the region,” said IARC Spokesman Dino Teppara. “In October, more than 60% of Iraqis, 10 million freedom-loving people, braved death threats to cast votes to approve their Constitution. In January, despite insurgent threats to fill the streets with “voters’ blood,” millions of Iraqis voted to approve a transitional national assembly, and next month they will vote again for a permanent Parliament. At this crucial time, it is important to stand with the Iraqi people.
“The political posturing by House Democrats, led by Nancy Pelosi and John Murtha, is truly disappointing. They should know better. They have politicized this war with their votes and their irresponsible statements. Democrats have created a “Get out of Iraq Caucus,” yet most of these members voted against the resolution. Democrats have continuously attacked the President, questioned his honesty, and have tried to weaken our resolve. They want us to lose the war, because they think America doesn’t deserve to win.
“But we know better. We know we must stay the course, defeat the terrorists and help bring democracy to Iraq. We cannot deny the progress that is being made, and we must stay strong in trying times. Most importantly, the IARC gratefully acknowledges the sacrifices made by Indian Americans who serve in the Armed Forces to protect our nation. They are not only serving their country, they are representing our community, and we are extremely thankful for their service. Their families should be proud.
“It is time for House Democrats to stop politicizing the Global War on Terrorism and attacking the President, and instead show some leadership in helping us win the fight against those who seek to harm us.”
(H. Res. 571, introduced by House Armed Services Chairman Duncan Hunter, failed by a margin of 3-403, with 6 voting “present” and 22 not voting on November 18, 2005).
Recent Examples of Progress in Iraq
• On the day of the Oct. 15 vote to approve the Constitution in Iraq, there were no suicide bombings, and attacks on polling stations were down from 108 in January to 19 in October
• Approximately 80,000 Iraqi children are attending better schools in Iraq’s nine southern provinces because of Coalition reconstruction efforts
• Internet subscribers have risen from 5,000 before the war to 196,000 in September
• There were no commercial TV stations in Iraq before the war. Today there are 44
• There were no independent newspapers or magazines in Iraq before the war. Today there are more than 100
• There were no commercial radio stations in Iraq before the war. Today there are 72
• Iraqi judges have conducted 544 trials since October 2003
• Iraqis are expressing their freedom by providing information on terrorists. The number of tips has risen from 442 in February to 3,341 in August
Infrastructure improvements up to September 2005
• 3,404 Public Schools
• 304 Water and Sewage Projects
• 257 Fire and Police Stations
• 149 Health Facilities
• Total of 4,114 reconstruction projects completed with 921 ongoing
(Courtesy: Department of Defense)
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