Washington D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement in response to the President’s announcement that U.S. combat forces will be redeployed from Iraq by the end of this year:

“I am pleased to hear that President Obama is following through on his pledge to responsibly redeploy United States combat forces from Iraq by the end of the year. Over the last 8 years, our troops have done a tremendous job protecting U.S. national security and supporting the Iraqi people as they seek to establish a stable, prosperous nation. I want to applaud our troops for their hard work and thank them for their sacrifice.

“The United States is concluding a long, difficult conflict in Iraq and this announcement initiates a new chapter in U.S-Iraqi relations. Iraq is a newly emerging democracy, and there will be tough times ahead, but we will continue to work with our partners in the region and through our diplomatic resources to support the Iraqi people as they transition from a period of conflict, to a period of peace.

“Over the last few years, we have witnessed the removal of multiple terrorist leaders, including Osama Bin Laden and the disposal of a tyrant in Libya. Today’s announcement builds on recent successes and I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration as we work to ensure U.S. national security. ”

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