SENATOR COLLINS TO VISIT IRAQ

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Susan Collins, who is a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that she has been selected by the Committee Chairman, Senator John Warner (R-VA), to travel to Iraq during part of the July 4th Senate recess. Senator Collins will join a group of her colleagues on the Committee to investigate the status of the reconstruction efforts, confer with military and diplomatic leaders, and meet with troops serving in the current military operation in Iraq. In addition, the Senator plans to meet some troops from Maine who are stationed in the region.

Senator Collins said of her upcoming trip, "It is vitally important for Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee to keep a close watch on the status of our military and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and our efforts to enable a new Iraqi government to create a stable, democratic form of leadership. Our committee has very important decisions to make, and it is imperative that we are well informed about our accomplishments, the current status and the many challenges that lie ahead. Most of all, I look forward to meeting with American men and women who are serving in that region so that we can reiterate our support and appreciation for their efforts and we can ensure that they are as safe and well equipped as possible.

Senator John Warner (R-VA), who is Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator Carl Levin, the Ranking Democratic Member, will lead the trip. Also scheduled for the trip are Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Mark Dayton (D-MN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and John Rockefeller (D-WV).