WASHINGTON, DC - Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), issued the following statement today about the President’s proposed troop buildup in Iraq:

“During a meeting yesterday with Congressional leaders, President Bush reaffirmed his belief that the Middle East is the key to America’s safety and security. However, he also told us that he is not satisfied with the progress in Iraq. The President articulated a plan to insert additional American forces, as long as the Iraqi government takes the necessary steps to curb sectarian violence and deal with their political and economic problems.

“I support additional troops going to Iraq. In conjunction with this increase, Congress must work with the Administration to set clear, measurable benchmarks to improve the security, political and economic situations in Iraq. Since this war started nearly four years ago, I have wanted a stable and secure Iraq and our troops at home.

“The President has never forgotten that Iraq is only a front on the larger global war against the terrorists. Failure in Iraq will devastate the Iraqis, our allies and our effort. America cannot walk away from the Middle East, we will always have to constructively engage the region and promote democracy. The President understands this and Congress needs to support policies that help America win the global war on terror.

“It is my hope Speaker Pelosi and her party will not play politics with the war in Iraq, and the global war against the terrorists. Withholding funding for our troops may score political points with some, but it endangers our troops and encourages our enemies.”

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