Swalwell's Visit to Iraq Includes Time with the Troops

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15), a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, has returned from a bipartisan trip to Iraq. In Iraq, Swalwell was briefed by senior military officials on Operation Inherent Resolve (to degrade the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's (ISIL) capabilities). He met with Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi. Swalwell also attended Easter Sunday service and brunch with enlisted troops.

"This trip gave me the opportunity to see up close the damage the Iraqi-led, U.S.-supported coalition is having on ISIL," said Swalwell. "Because of the enduring work of our troops and intelligence community, we have ISIL on the ropes and are well-positioned to deliver a knockout blow. The real challenge, however, is what does Iraq look like post-ISIL? The United States can provide limited, short-term military aid to Iraq, but a longstanding peaceful future requires Iraqi leadership that puts an end to sectarian violence."

He added, "It was an honor to spend Easter Sunday in Iraq with my heroes, the brave men and women of our Armed Services and intelligence community," said Swalwell.