Elected officials from Santa Clarita in Washington issued statements in response to President Obama’s announcement that all American troops will be out of Iraq by the end of the year.

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement

“I applaud President Obama for a promise kept.  Today is a day to honor our troops and our military families who have sacrificed so much over the last nine years to give the Iraqi people a chance at a better future.

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“It is now up to the Iraqis to secure their country and provide opportunity for all their people.”

Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, Chair of the House Armed Services Committee said:

“Today the President announced the withdrawal of all combat forces from Iraq by the end of the year.  Over a million Americans and their Iraqi partners can be proud of what we have achieved since 2003.  Together we toppled one of the world’s most heinous dictators and established a democracy in the heart of the Middle East.  Together we fought and defeated extremists and terrorists who would have torn the fabric of Iraqi society apart. Much remains to be done and America’s commitment to Iraqi stability, security, and freedom endures. I hope that Iraq will always look to the United States as a partner in that freedom as they travel the challenging road ahead.

“I remain concerned that this full withdrawal of US forces will make that road tougher than it needs to be.  Multiple experts have testified before my committee that the Iraqis still lack important capacities in their ability to maintain their internal stability and territorial integrity.  These shortcomings could reverse the decade of hard work and sacrifice both countries have endured to build a free Iraq.”