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Defense secretary gives national security and foreign relations briefing
By Bridgett Nesbit
The Charlotte Observer

New U.S. Reps. Virginia Foxx and Patrick McHenry, who represent parts of Iredell County, attended a briefing at the Pentagon last week held by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on national security and foreign relations.

During the private briefing, Rumsfeld also discussed the upcoming elections in Iraq and progress in the war on terror. The freshmen also learned about the structure and operations of the Department of Defense.

"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," Foxx said in a written announcement.

Foxx also said U.S. troops are "winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people."

The election, she said, "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."