WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), George Whitesides (D-CA), and Wesley Bell (D-MO) released the following statement after returning from a bipartisan congressional delegation to Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.  
 
“Our delegation’s visit to Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates comes at an important moment for the region. With the early makings of a new government in Syria, Iran’s proxy militias significantly degraded, and ISIS on the run from the United States-led coalition we have a unique opportunity to work with our regional partners to improve stability, security, and prosperity in the Middle East. These ends remain vital to the peace and prosperity of the American people and now, more than ever, the United States must remain engaged with our partners in the region to achieve our shared objectives.  
 
“During our meetings, we heard directly from senior government officials on challenges to security and economic conditions throughout the region and collaborated on opportunities to strengthen our enduring partnerships. We engaged in the candid exchange of perspectives and saw firsthand our partners’ appreciation for the critical role the United States plays in the region.  
   
“Finally, we had the opportunity to hear from U.S. military and diplomatic leaders and meet many committed service members and foreign service officers diligently working on these difficult issues every day. Their service is inspiring and their insights about the region provided our delegation helpful context for the political, economic, and security situation in the region.” 
 
In each country, the delegation met with senior government, U.S. State Department, and U.S. Department of Defense officials and personnel. Key senior meetings included:  
 
In Iraq, the delegation met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Speaker of the Council of Representatives Mahmoud Daoud Salman Musa al-Mashhadani, Minister of Interior Abdul Amir al-Shammari, Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Iraqi Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein, and Major General Kevin Leahy, Commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.  
 
In Bahrain, the delegation met with National Security Advisor Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Finance and National Economy Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Ambassador Steven Bondy, and Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Fifth Fleet. 
 
In Qatar, the delegation met with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Jassim Al Mannai, Ambassador Timmy Davis, and Lieutenant General Derek France, Commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command and Ninth Air Force. 
 
In the United Arab Emirates, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Al Gergawi, Diplomatic Advisor to the President Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, U.S. Ambassador Martina Strong, Defense business leaders in Abu Dhabi, and U.S. military personnel operating from al Dhafra Air Base.