For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, December 14, 2005

WASHINGTON D.C - U.S. Representative Dan Boren was called today to the White House to hear President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and other high level officials discuss the ongoing effort in Iraq.  Boren and other Congressional Democrats received a briefing on Iraq, including talk of possible benchmarks – something of which Boren has been an outspoken advocate. 

 

Boren said he was encouraged by the President reaching out to Democrats on the war in Iraq.  “There are some who want to politicize this issue, but stabilizing Iraq and bringing our troops home should be a bi-partisan goal,” Boren said. 

Boren, one of several pro-defense Congressmen pushing for specific benchmarks, says he shares the President’s vision for a democratic Iraq. “Leaving Iraq before the job is done would be disastrous, but we need specific metrics to measure success in achieving our goals and begin bringing our young men and women home,” Boren said.

 

Boren has endorsed some specific benchmarks such as: for every three Iraqi brigades, approx. 10,000 soldiers, that are trained and brought to Level 1 capacity, we bring home one U.S. brigade, equaling approx. 3500 U.S. troops.  “Specific benchmarks provide a clear picture for our troops and Americans of when and how we transition to an independent Iraq,” Boren said. 

 

I’m encouraged by the Administration’s eagerness to listen to our ideas,” Boren said.  “If we’re going to get the job done, we need to begin working together as Americans, not just Democrats and Republicans,” Boren said. 

 

In addition to speaking with President Bush, Boren and his group heard from General George Casey via satellite from Iraq regarding tomorrow’s election for an Iraqi Prime Minister.  Boren hopes the election will begin a healing process in Iraq and help garner more international support. 

 

“The Iraqi people stand poised to elect a new Prime Minister, and hopefully a new beginning.  A successful election will be a positive step toward an independent and autonomous Iraq,” Boren said.

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