Congressman Mike Simpson traveled to Iraq last weekend to see first-hand the progress that the U.S. military and their Iraqi partners are making in the country.  While there, he met with Ambassador Crocker, General Petraeus and Members of the Iraqi government and received updates on the situation in Iraq.

“The surge is clearly working.  It is impossible to deny that our military troops and our Iraqi partners have made great strides in fighting the insurgents and improving the security situation on the ground.” Simpson said.  “The situation has visibly improved from the last time that I visited the country in 2004—violence is down and the political situation is getting better.”

Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, joined Full Committee Chairman David Obey (D-WI), Defense Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-PA), and three other members of the Appropriations Committee as part of a bi-partisan Delegation to Iraq.  He received personal briefings from General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker who briefed the delegation on the progress they were making in battling insurgents and the increased role that the Iraqis were playing both military and politically.  In addition, he met with various U.S. aid agencies regarding the reconstruction and development work that is occurring in the country.

Simpson also met with military troops, including troops from Idaho.  “Our troops are doing an outstanding job in Iraq, and it is critical that we at home continue to support them and provide them with the tools and equipment they need to get the job done.” Simpson said.  “We are grateful for their service and want them to know that Americans at home support them in their mission.”