Comments by Congressman Mike Ross on President Obama's declaration bringing troops home by end of year

“I support the President’s decision to bring our troops home from Iraq by the end of year.

“It’s been almost five years since Saddam Hussein was captured, tried and executed for his crimes against humanity. It’s past time for the Iraqi people to step up and take responsibility for their own country and its future. America cannot afford to stay in Iraq any longer. It is time to turn our focus and resources back to our own towns and communities, creating jobs and getting this nation’s economy back on track.

“I have personally visited our troops in Iraq and have seen firsthand how they have served this country honorably. We can never forget our troops and all that they did to liberate the Iraqi people, the brave soldiers who died in service to our country and those who have suffered battle injuries that will forever change their lives. They have served us well and now it is our turn to serve them. Our government must keep its promises to this new generation of war veterans as they come home.