Congressman Cohen Addresses Colleagues Upon Return From Iraq

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I just returned on a codel from Baghdad, among other places, with four other Members, a bipartisan trip. I am proud to report that our troops are doing a marvelous job under the circumstances in which they have been placed.

To ride in a C-130 with American soldiers going into combat, seeing their faces and realizing that they were going into harm's way was very, very emotional; to ride in a Humvee with soldiers who faced an enemy that they didn't know who it was because friends and enemy look alike; and to be in the streets of Baghdad.

I was buoyed by the enthusiasm of our troops but know they are going to need help over the years with veterans benefits. We were at Landstuhl, Germany hospital today with a soldier who lost his leg on Friday. Continuing injuries will cause a continuing commitment from the American people and a continuing commitment to make sure that Iran does not exercise undue influence.

Prime Minister Maliki reasserted his desire to provide defense for his own country with help from America with equipment and not to have Iran interfere. I wasn't as extremely enthusiastic about what I saw in the country of Iraq, which has been ravaged, or their government, which needs much improvement.

But our troops are beyond reproach and they need our support. Thank you, Madam Speaker.