Collins, a member of the House

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence led a congressional delegation

to Iraq during Thanksgiving week to talk with our dedicated men and women

in uniform, along with military, intelligence and civilian officials.�The

trip provided a great deal of first-hand insight into our mission in Iraq

- insight that Congressman Collins shared directly with President

Bush and his most trusted advisors upon his return.

"I am reminded of what

Col. Ralph Baker (U.S. Army, Commander, 2BCT, 1st Armor Division) said

during my visit," stated Collins. "The two best times the coalition

forces have had were when Saddam's two sons were killed and when the coalition

has rebuilt and rededicated schools and public works projects.�It is at

these times, when the Iraqi people have come to understand that the United

States and the Coalition are true partners with them - partners in

bringing peace, freedom, and prosperity to Iraq.�At these times the Iraqi

people have provided valuable information to our military personnel, which

is then passed along to our intelligence services, and acted upon - in

this case the action, again, was successful."

"Today is a great day.

A brutal dictator has been captured and the American armed forces have

given both America and the world a wonderful holiday gift - the capture

of Saddam Hussein. The President's message is strong. Iraqis who

took the side of freedom, took the winning side. A dark and painful era

is over in Iraq but the capture of Saddam Hussein does not mean the end

of violence in Iraq," Collins said.

"Upon hearing about Saddam's

capture this morning, a friend of mine told me, 'We got that rat

Saddam out of the hole. Now, let's put him back in one, this time

in a coffin,'" he continued.

Collins believes that the message

is clear to terrorists around the world that the United States will not

relent in the war on terrorism, and will continue to fight cell by cell

until the war against terrorism is won.

"We will not rest until

these terrorists are brought to justice. They are cowards who attacked

our great country on Sept. 11, 2001, murdering three thousand innocent

people.� These terrorists, who have no regard for human life and human

dignity, should not be allowed another minute of freedom in any part of

the world. Saddam's capture sends that strong message. We still have

a long way to go. But with the strength of the American people behind

our Armed Forces and with God's help, we shall not fail," Collins

concluded.

Back

to News Home Page |