Thad Cochran: “as the Senate continues its consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act, I wish to commend our military…”

“as the Senate continues its consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act, I wish to commend our military forces for the exemplary and successful performance of their missions in the war on terrorism. This bill provides the authorization for appropriations of funds needed to enable them to continue to protect our national security interests in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the world. In Afghanistan, the Taliban leadership has been removed and is no longer able to provide a safe haven for al-Qaida operatives or to train terrorists or to plan attacks against people around the world. In Iraq, Saddam Hussein is in prison, and 46 of the most wanted operatives in his regime are no longer a threat to others. Our military forces have helped provide an opportunity for Iraq to start a transition to democracy. The President's envoy to Iraq, Ambassador Paul Bremer, has led this impressive transition to peace and sovereignty. Under Ambassador Bremer's leadership, and with the assistance of many courageous Iraqi citizens, unemployment has fallen by nearly one-half. And for the first time in decades, Iraq's marketplaces are filled with consumer goods. More than 395,000 jobs have been created for the Iraqi people. All 22 universities and 43 technical institutes and colleges are open. Almost 2,500 schools have been rehabilitated, and 240 hospitals and more than 1,200 health clinics are now open for the Iraqi people.”