Congressman Cole's Comments after the President's Address on Iraq

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole made the following comments after the President addressed the nation on the situation in Iraq.

"The President tonight announced a new, bold and decisive plan to win in Iraq. The President knows what is at stake, and believes that the efforts he outlined could make a real difference. We should give our Commander in Chief every resource he needs to carry this plan out in its entirety. The risks of failing are too great to give up now.

"I have every confidence that the American troops will be able to carry out their portion of this plan--then it is up to the Iraqi people. Measurable and sustainable progress in Iraq will require significant political action by the Iraqi government, the commitment of Iraqi troops and additional Iraqi financial resources. The patience of the American people is limited. The Iraqis must show that they are willing and able to start taking on these responsibilities for themselves."

"America needs this plan to work; we need to be successful in Iraq. Let there be no doubt that America will be a safer and more secure country with a democratic and free Iraq. And, Iraq will be a safer and securer if we are successful. The stakes are high, but the consequence of failure is too great not to give the President's plan an chance to succeed."

"I am also very pleased that the President included a commitment to permanently increase the size of the military in his speech tonight. This is something I have worked to achieve since first coming to Congress in the Armed Services Committee. A larger military is necessary not only for the short term, but also for the longer term security needs of our country and the defense of freedom around the world."

###