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WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) attended a briefing at the Pentagon by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on important issues pertaining to national security and foreign relations.

The topics discussed at the private briefing for freshman Members of Congress included the progress being made in the War on Terror and the upcoming elections in Iraq. Foxx and her colleagues also learned about the structure and operations of the Department of Defense.

“This was an extremely valuable and informative briefing which helped me to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the Pentagon,” said Rep. Foxx. “After this meeting, I am more committed than ever to standing firm behind President Bush, Secretary Rumsfeld and our troops in the War on Terror.”

Rep. Foxx said that she was especially impressed by the success stories of our nation’s men and women in uniform. “They’re winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people,” she said.

The Congresswoman said that there is no alternative to victory in Iraq and that she looks forward to seeing the Iraqi elections move forward as scheduled at the end of the month. She said that while building a democracy in Iraq will not be an easy task, it is necessary for the Iraqi people to exercise their democratic rights even under difficult circumstances.

“This election will be a huge milestone on the road to peace in the Middle East because it will help bring stability and democracy throughout the region. Of course, I want our troops to be home safe just as much any anyone. And the only way to bring them home is to turn over the security of Iraq to the Iraqi government,” she said.

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