Carney greets troops during vist to Iraq (file photo)

Washington - Congressman Christopher Carney (D-10) attended what he called a “sobering meeting” meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

“We have to leave Iraq in a responsible way”, Carney said.  “I spoke with Secretary Gates yesterday morning; one of the salient issues we agreed upon is that the War in Iraq is undermining our Global War on Terror.  Secretary Gates admitted we are simply holding our own in Afghanistan, we are not winning.”

Carney said they discussed how troops are facing increasing pressures from home to return and how this is affecting retention.  “As someone who wears the uniform, I understand the sacrifices our troops are making. Our troops have gone above and beyond our expectations, and I again call on the Iraqi government to take responsibility for their country. This is why I am fighting in Congress for 1 for 1 legislation, a bill that can show demonstrable progress in redeploying our troops.”

1 for 1 means that for every Iraqi battalion trained and operating independently, an American battalion is redeployed.

Carney said he  will continue to fund the troops.

“It is our duty to leave in a responsible manner, but it is also our duty to make sure our troops have the funding they need.”