The situation in Iraq has improved significantly as a result of having the right generals on the ground with the right strategy and the commitment to see it through. The “surge” has clearly succeeded in creating an environment where the Iraqi leaders can establish their authority and take control of their own country. Even now American forces are stepping back and more Iraqi police and military units are taking charge. Casualties are greatly reduced and the opportunity to make significant withdrawals as a result of that success is at hand.

All of this good news comes despite opposition from the Democrats in Washington and a refusal to admit that efforts to block the surge strategy were mistaken.

But America has proven itself a dependable ally and a protector of freedom. Our forces will withdraw but our victory will remain because we did not simply leave when staying was difficult.

South Dakota National Guard members have served with honor and distinction. The sacrifices they and their families have made, especially those who died or were wounded, must not be wasted.

I support continued reduction of our forces in Iraq but do not support a fixed timetable or precipitous withdrawal that puts the gains of the past year or the remaining troops in danger.

In the meantime I will fight for veterans’ benefits and insist that the federal government honor the commitments it made to those who voluntarily served in harm’s way and risked their lives for the cause of freedom. We owe it to them.