Lynn C. Woolsey: “Mr. Speaker, on Sunday Iraq held democratic elections to nominate legislators to write Iraq's constitution, and I want…”

“Mr. Speaker, on Sunday Iraq held democratic elections to nominate legislators to write Iraq's constitution, and I want to congratulate the courageous Iraqi people who voted in the election. My congressional district, Marin and Sonoma Counties, north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, had an 89½ percent voter turnout in the United States the last election, 89½. Believe me, we know the importance that elections play in our democracy. And now with Iraq's elections completed, we in the United States must ensure that the people of Iraq control their own affairs as Iraq transitions towards democracy. In fact, Sunday's election gives the United States yet another opportunity to get back on course in Iraq. We can do this by supporting the Iraqi people, not through our military but through international cooperation to help rebuild Iraq's economic and physical infrastructure. There are four components to my plan on how to do this. H. Con. Res. 35, which is co-sponsored by over two dozen other Members of the House, this plan secures Iraq for the future. It ensures that America's role in Iraq gives Iraq back to the Iraqis and actually makes America safer.”