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Sacrifice of Our Troops in Iraq Not Being Matched By Iraqi Government's Will to Make Necessary Political Progress

Defense Secretary Robert Gates' recent assessment of progress in Iraq:

"[The Iraqi government] seem to have become energized over the last few weeks," Gates told reporters who traveled with him from an international security conference in Munich, Germany. The Pentagon chief added that he wants to "see what the prospects are for further success in the next couple of months." [AP, 2/10/08]

FACTS ON THE GROUND IN IRAQ

In Congressional testimony last week, military officials confirmed America is vulnerable. The U.S. Armed Forces are strained to the breaking point, our National Guard and Reserves are stressed and depleted, and President Bush's latest budget cuts in half homeland security funds desperately needed by communities across the country. Nearly seven years after 9/11, and five years into a war in Iraq that continues to exhaust our troops with no end in sight, America may be at its most exposed. As Marine Maj. General Arnold L. Punaro said earlier this month, America now faces "an appalling gap in readiness for homeland defense."

NATIONAL GUARD HOMELAND PREPAREDNESS SLIDES

The stated purpose of the surge was to create a secure time for the government of Iraq to make the political change needed to bring about reconciliation. Despite the courage, dedication, and success of our troops, the Iraqi government has failed to come even close to achieving that goal.

The passing of Tom Lantos is a profound loss for the Congress and for the nation and a terrible loss for me personally.

"I was deeply and profoundly saddened to learn today of the passing of my very good friend and colleague, Representative Tom Lantos of California, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the only Holocaust survivor to ever serve in the U.S. Congress.

"Quite simply, Tom Lantos was a great man, a great American patriot, and a great humanitarian, whose remarkable life -- as a Holocaust survivor, as a professor, as a Member of Congress, and as the proud founder of the Human Rights Caucus -- serves as an inspiration to all of us and as a reminder of the indomitable human spirit.

"Tom Lantos was a great humanitarian and statesman who passionately advocated on behalf of the world's poor and politically oppressed. We are a better body for the principled leadership and insight he brought to the Congress for three decades.

"I would like to pass along my sincerest condolences to Tom's wife Annette, their two daughters, and their seventeen grandchildren. I will continue to keep his friends, staff and family in my prayers during this difficult time."

"The Talmud writes that 'Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.' Tom Lantos, who was saved from the horrors of the Holocaust by Swedish Diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, dedicated his life to saving the victims of injustice. He was a passionate advocate for human rights, a dedicated member of the House of Representatives and an inspiration to many around the world. Now, we must honor Congressman Lantos' life and legacy with our deeds and continue to speak out for justice and human rights in the months and years ahead. It is my great honor to have served with Congressman Lantos and my thoughts and prayers are with Annette and the Lantos family during this difficult time."

Tom Lantos, 1928-2008

Washington, DC - Congressman Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo, San Francisco), 80, passed away this morning due to complications from cancer at Bethesda Naval Medical Center.

Elected to office in 1980, Lantos was Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and one of the country's leading champions of human rights. His commitment to this issue was forged when, as a young man, he lost nearly his entire family in the Holocaust.

Today he was surrounded by his wife, two daughters, and many of his 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.