Reaction from Minnesota’s delegation

09/14/2007

Star Tribune
Last update: September 13, 2007


Sen. Norm Coleman, Republican

"I'm encouraged by the progress our military is making under the leadership of General [David] Petraeus. While [a troop reduction] is a positive development in the short term, Americans need to know there is light at the end of the tunnel well beyond that time frame."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Democrat

"Our brave troops have done what they are supposed to do. ... Now, it's time for the Iraqis to govern. It's time to chart a new course.... to get our troops out of harm's way."

Rep. Keith Ellison, Democrat

"The surge mission has failed. The mission of the troop surge was to provide time and space for the Iraqi government to move toward reconciliation. This has not occurred. ... We need to end the occupation and bring our brave young men and women safely home."

Rep. John Kline, Republican

"The surge has been a success because of our troops, and I am pleased to see a significant step forward in Iraq."

Rep. Betty McCollum, Democrat

"Unless Republicans in Congress have the courage to join Democrats and the overwhelming majority of Americans in ending this war now, President Bush's decision tonight guarantees that American troops will be fighting and dying in Iraq."

Rep. Tim Walz, Democrat

"This troop withdrawal has more to do with the fact that the Pentagon has acknowledged the need to scale back our forces due to the strain this 'surge' has had on our military."

Rep. Jim Oberstar, Democrat

"The president is letting our troops down. Tonight he did not show that he has an exit plan. ..."

Rep. Michele Bachmann, Republican

"I was pleased to hear that President Bush has accepted General Petraeus' recommendations, which are based on progress, not politics."