Wiviott Statement on Fifth Anniversary of the President's "Mission Accomplished" Speech

Santa Fe, NM – Today, Don Wiviott, Democrat for Congress, made the following statement in response to the fifth anniversary of President Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech.

"Five years ago to the day, President Bush stood before the American people and announced major combat operations in Iraq had ended and that the war had been won. Now, half a decade later, our troops are still stationed in Iraq and they continue to fight an unclear mission against a backdrop of rising violence," Wiviott said. "Even more alarming, the Bush Administration stubborn refusal to change their failed strategy has made America less secure and further endangered the safety of our troops."

The war has already cost over 10 times as much as the President predicted and the $300 million we spend in Iraq daily has handcuffed Congress from funding vital domestic programs. Wiviott will work with other members of Congress to redeploy our troops safely and use the funds we are spending in Iraq to invest in economic priorities here at home.

"To end this war, we need more voices for change in Washington," Wiviott said. "It's time to start bringing people together so we can find a timely and responsible conclusion to the war."

In Congress, Wiviott will work across the aisle to fight for important legislation that brings our troops home safely, restores America's strength on the international stage, and aids our ailing economy. Wiviott will stand up to the Bush Republicans who seek to continue a failed strategy in Iraq costing thousands of lives and untold billions.