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Congressmen React to Zarqawi's Blessed Martyrdom

Chief Deputy Majority Whip Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA):

This is a victory for America and its allies in the war against Islamic fascism and terrorism. I commend our armed forces for their hard work and skill that led to the success of this operation.

I also congratulate Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki for the successful appointment of ministers to the critical cabinet posts of defense, interior and national security. Leadership in these important areas coupled with the elimination of al-Zarqawi will put the Iraqi government on  more secure footing to sustain and defend itself.

House Republican Conference Vice-Chairman Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA):

One of the most brutal, heinous, and horrendous terrorists was killed last night when the U.S. Armed Forces delivered 500-pounds of justice to Iraq’s ‘Prince of Al-Qaeda’ on behalf of Nicholas Berg, Jack Armstrong, Ken Bigley, Jack Hensley and the thousands of others who were beheaded, tortured, and killed by Al-Zarqawi and his henchmen.

Congratulations to the United States Air Force and to the Special Forces teams on the ground for once again coordinating a precise and effective mission. And it is especially important to note that local Iraqis and Jordanians provided critical intelligence and support for this operation.

The road ahead is far from complete. However, the killing of one of the insurgencies key officials will deal a serious blow to the operational effort of those who are working to thwart the progress being made by Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Maliki, the Iraqi people, and our troops on the ground.

Rep. Jeb Hensearling (R-TX):

I commend the U.S. intelligence and military forces for the commitment and sacrifice to in tracking down Al-Zarqawi, a terrorist thug who led a murderous campaign of attacks against American forces, innocent Iraqis and American civilians.  Make no mistake, his death marks a victory in the global war on terror and sends a clear message to the rest of the world that we will not rest until our mission in Iraq is completed.

Though there are many difficult challenges that remain, progress in forming a stable Iraqi government continues.  This morning, Prime Minister Maliki completed his cabinet appointments by naming new misters of defense, interior and national security.  Each of these important developments gives hope that a new day of freedom and opportunity for the people of Iraq lie ahead.

Victory in Iraq Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC):

Today’s victory in Iraq is a testament to the tremendous talent of the United States military.  By risking their lives to kill terrorists, these brave men and women are protecting the lives of American families and making our country safer.  As the operational commander of the terrorist movement in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi delighted in the devastation of Iraq and the destruction of life.  As the mastermind behind countless car bombings, mass murders, and assassinations, he was responsible for the brutal deaths of many Americans and thousands of innocent Iraqis.  As we celebrate this incredible milestone, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our brave troops and our Iraqi allies.

Victory in Iraq Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Mark Green (R-WI):

The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi marks a tremendous victory for the citizens of Iraq and the war on terror.  This brutal terrorist orchestrated a deadly insurgency that claimed the lives of scores of innocent Iraqis, U.S. troops, and coalition forces.  Al-Zarqawi’s death has widened the path to peace and stability in Iraq, and inspired new hope that a brighter future lies ahead for the millions of freedom-loving Iraqis.

Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO):

The death of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is a clear win against the forces of radical Islam in the Middle East.  A violent thug who beheaded Americans and showed the photos to the world, Zarqawi was one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, and now he can never threaten Americans or our allies again.  While this is not the silver bullet to create peace and stability in Iraq, it is a victory over al Qaeda and the murderous ideology of terrorism.

Homeland Security Chairman Rep. Peter King (R-NY):

The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the most wanted man in Iraq, is an important victory for the Iraqi people and the War on Terror.  Zarqawi was the head of al-Qa’ida in Iraq, responsible for dozens of bombings and attacks on U.S. and Iraqi troops, as well as the murders of an untold number of innocent civilians.  But today, we can all be thankful that he will terrorize the region no longer.  I’d like to thank our brave men and women in uniform who have served and continue to serve in the War on Terror.  By taking the fight to terrorists abroad, we are helping keep the American people safe here at home.

Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX):

Today’s announcement that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed in Iraq is a very positive development in our effort to help the Iraqi people secure their country as Democracy takes hold. After visiting Iraq just last week, it is clear to me that our military men and women are focused on executing their mission in Iraq and I am confident that they will achieve victory on our behalf.

Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO):

The death of al-Qaida terrorist Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is a victory for the Iraqi people and their allies in the War on Terror. Zarqawi waged a bloody war on Iraqis by slaughtering their children, terrorizing their neighborhoods and perverting their faith. Iraqi-led forces introduced Zarqawi to swift justice, and we can only hope that they capitalize on his death to bring down al-Qaida's terrorist network in Iraq. All freedom-loving people are grateful for the Iraqi and Coalition forces' strikes at the heart of al-Qaida.

Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN):

I rejoice in the death of no man, but today I'll make an exception.  As America and the world just learned, the al Qaeda leader in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is dead.   The President of the United States said it was an opportunity to 'turn the tide,' and that the ideology of terror had lost one of its visible and aggressive leaders, and it has.  But this was not simply a tactically significant strike by US and Iraqi forces. Somebody dropped a dime.  It is also evidence, as U.S. General George Casey in Iraq said earlier today, of increased cooperation. I commend U.S. and Iraqi forces for this extraordinary accomplishment. The leading enemy of freedom in Iraq is dead. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is gone. Let freedom reign in Iraq.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ):

I think it is appropriate to mention that Al-Zarqawi's ultimate goal was the destruction of America and of the West. ... It is a clear victory, in stark terms, of good versus evil ... Great credit goes to our marvelous military. This is what our American military is all about.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX):

The Iraqi people stood up against this threat to their nation, and in partnership with the U.S. military, ended Zarqawi's attempt to stop the march of freedom and democracy in Iraq. Al-Zarqawi has made his last video.

Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE):

This is a victory, and this is significant, but this does not peace make. ... There's this insurgency ... and there's a flat-out sectarian war going on ... as I said to the president the last time I got back from Iraq, if every jihadist is eliminated from Iraq, there's still a war in Iraq.

Video of Biden downplaying the significance on the Today Show.

Comments

Congressmen React to Zarqawi's Blessed Martyrdom

Chief Deputy Majority Whip Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA):

This is a victory for America and its allies in the war against Islamic fascism and terrorism. I commend our armed forces for their hard work and skill that led to the success of this operation.

I also congratulate Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki for the successful appointment of ministers to the critical cabinet posts of defense, interior and national security. Leadership in these important areas coupled with the elimination of al-Zarqawi will put the Iraqi government on  more secure footing to sustain and defend itself.

House Republican Conference Vice-Chairman Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA):

One of the most brutal, heinous, and horrendous terrorists was killed last night when the U.S. Armed Forces delivered 500-pounds of justice to Iraq’s ‘Prince of Al-Qaeda’ on behalf of Nicholas Berg, Jack Armstrong, Ken Bigley, Jack Hensley and the thousands of others who were beheaded, tortured, and killed by Al-Zarqawi and his henchmen.

Congratulations to the United States Air Force and to the Special Forces teams on the ground for once again coordinating a precise and effective mission. And it is especially important to note that local Iraqis and Jordanians provided critical intelligence and support for this operation.

The road ahead is far from complete. However, the killing of one of the insurgencies key officials will deal a serious blow to the operational effort of those who are working to thwart the progress being made by Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Maliki, the Iraqi people, and our troops on the ground.

Rep. Jeb Hensearling (R-TX):

I commend the U.S. intelligence and military forces for the commitment and sacrifice to in tracking down Al-Zarqawi, a terrorist thug who led a murderous campaign of attacks against American forces, innocent Iraqis and American civilians.  Make no mistake, his death marks a victory in the global war on terror and sends a clear message to the rest of the world that we will not rest until our mission in Iraq is completed.

Though there are many difficult challenges that remain, progress in forming a stable Iraqi government continues.  This morning, Prime Minister Maliki completed his cabinet appointments by naming new misters of defense, interior and national security.  Each of these important developments gives hope that a new day of freedom and opportunity for the people of Iraq lie ahead.

Victory in Iraq Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC):

Today’s victory in Iraq is a testament to the tremendous talent of the United States military.  By risking their lives to kill terrorists, these brave men and women are protecting the lives of American families and making our country safer.  As the operational commander of the terrorist movement in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi delighted in the devastation of Iraq and the destruction of life.  As the mastermind behind countless car bombings, mass murders, and assassinations, he was responsible for the brutal deaths of many Americans and thousands of innocent Iraqis.  As we celebrate this incredible milestone, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our brave troops and our Iraqi allies.

Victory in Iraq Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Mark Green (R-WI):

The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi marks a tremendous victory for the citizens of Iraq and the war on terror.  This brutal terrorist orchestrated a deadly insurgency that claimed the lives of scores of innocent Iraqis, U.S. troops, and coalition forces.  Al-Zarqawi’s death has widened the path to peace and stability in Iraq, and inspired new hope that a brighter future lies ahead for the millions of freedom-loving Iraqis.

Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO):

The death of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is a clear win against the forces of radical Islam in the Middle East.  A violent thug who beheaded Americans and showed the photos to the world, Zarqawi was one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, and now he can never threaten Americans or our allies again.  While this is not the silver bullet to create peace and stability in Iraq, it is a victory over al Qaeda and the murderous ideology of terrorism.

Homeland Security Chairman Rep. Peter King (R-NY):

The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the most wanted man in Iraq, is an important victory for the Iraqi people and the War on Terror.  Zarqawi was the head of al-Qa’ida in Iraq, responsible for dozens of bombings and attacks on U.S. and Iraqi troops, as well as the murders of an untold number of innocent civilians.  But today, we can all be thankful that he will terrorize the region no longer.  I’d like to thank our brave men and women in uniform who have served and continue to serve in the War on Terror.  By taking the fight to terrorists abroad, we are helping keep the American people safe here at home.

Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX):

Today’s announcement that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed in Iraq is a very positive development in our effort to help the Iraqi people secure their country as Democracy takes hold. After visiting Iraq just last week, it is clear to me that our military men and women are focused on executing their mission in Iraq and I am confident that they will achieve victory on our behalf.

Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO):

The death of al-Qaida terrorist Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is a victory for the Iraqi people and their allies in the War on Terror. Zarqawi waged a bloody war on Iraqis by slaughtering their children, terrorizing their neighborhoods and perverting their faith. Iraqi-led forces introduced Zarqawi to swift justice, and we can only hope that they capitalize on his death to bring down al-Qaida's terrorist network in Iraq. All freedom-loving people are grateful for the Iraqi and Coalition forces' strikes at the heart of al-Qaida.

Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN):

I rejoice in the death of no man, but today I'll make an exception.  As America and the world just learned, the al Qaeda leader in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is dead.   The President of the United States said it was an opportunity to 'turn the tide,' and that the ideology of terror had lost one of its visible and aggressive leaders, and it has.  But this was not simply a tactically significant strike by US and Iraqi forces. Somebody dropped a dime.  It is also evidence, as U.S. General George Casey in Iraq said earlier today, of increased cooperation. I commend U.S. and Iraqi forces for this extraordinary accomplishment. The leading enemy of freedom in Iraq is dead. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is gone. Let freedom reign in Iraq.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ):

I think it is appropriate to mention that Al-Zarqawi's ultimate goal was the destruction of America and of the West. ... It is a clear victory, in stark terms, of good versus evil ... Great credit goes to our marvelous military. This is what our American military is all about.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX):

The Iraqi people stood up against this threat to their nation, and in partnership with the U.S. military, ended Zarqawi's attempt to stop the march of freedom and democracy in Iraq. Al-Zarqawi has made his last video.

Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE):

This is a victory, and this is significant, but this does not peace make. ... There's this insurgency ... and there's a flat-out sectarian war going on ... as I said to the president the last time I got back from Iraq, if every jihadist is eliminated from Iraq, there's still a war in Iraq.

Video of Biden downplaying the significance on the Today Show.