Greg Steube: “Americans entrust us with ensuring that their hard-earned tax dollars go toward measures that advance our interests, not…”

“Americans entrust us with ensuring that their hard-earned tax dollars go toward measures that advance our interests, not undermine them. Over the past quarter of a century, not only have Americans provided billions of dollars to Iraq, but thousands have lost their lives in that country. Essentially, Americans have been generous enough to give Iraq a blank check payable not only in cash but with American lives. Yet, in 2024, we see a country that is becoming increasingly anti- American, essentially becoming one of Iran's strongest proxies. I served in Iraq, and protecting American interests should continue to be our number one priority in the region. We cannot justify funding a foreign government unable to safeguard our dollars from exploitation by Iran, ISIS, and other terror groups. Yet, the money we send to Iraq has been funding Iranian militias that target and attack our troops. Iran's influence over the Iraqi Government is rampant. Over 2 years ago, the Pentagon's inspector general disclosed that Iraqi security forces are overrun by Iranian- backed militants and IRGC terrorists. These are the same terrorists who attacked the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad in 2018 and continue to threaten our troops to this day. Yet, every year, we continue to provide millions of taxpayer dollars to Iraqi security forces and expect a different outcome. It is the definition of insanity. These militias are part of Iraq's own government.…”