Tom Price: “Iraqis tomorrow will vote and America will stand firmly behind them for this historic milestone. While we look into the…”

“Iraqis tomorrow will vote and America will stand firmly behind them for this historic milestone. While we look into the future, it is instructive to look back just a few short years. Iraqis lived in fear. ``Freedom of expression'' were three words most Iraqis thought they would never experience, and a brutal dictator oppressed millions of people. Now optimism and success are sweeping Iraq. Hundreds of candidates vying for 275 representative spots are a product of this success. In the span of a few short years, Iraq's economic sector is setting the stage for growth. Introducing a new currency, reopening their stock exchange, loans to encourage small businesses, and infrastructure improvements are just a start. More Iraqi security forces are being trained every day; and today, over 210,000 have been trained and equipped. The election this week is the next important step that must be taken in order to allow our men and women to begin coming home, having accomplished a great deal. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow will be a historic day for Iraq, and all America will watch proudly as we witness freedom and democracy coming to reality before our eyes. ____________________”