Ranking Member McCollum Statement on U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq

October 1, 2026 Press Release SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman McCollum, ranking member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee released the following statement after U.S. forces formerly withdrew from Iraq after two decades: “Today marks the end of America’s military mission in Iraq with the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve and withdrawal of the last remaining U.S. forces from Iraqi territory. More than 23 years ago, America began the war in Iraq based on lies. In 2002, I was one of 133 members of the House of Representatives to vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution,” said Rep. McCollum. “At the time I believed that President Bush’s decision to take America to war was terribly wrong. I stand by my vote and believe that history has vindicated it. The Iraq War was a catastrophe that cost the lives of thousands of U.S. service members and well over 100,000 Iraqis. It unleashed a torrent of conflict across the Middle East, including the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. We continue to live with the consequences. To every American who served in Iraq, our nation owes you a debt of gratitude, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation and those who returned with wounds both seen and unseen.  Your families deserve our thanks and our support. We acknowledge and appreciate the many contributions of our international allies. “As we reflect on the end of America’s mission in Iraq, our leaders in Washington must heed the lessons of the Iraq War. Once again, our nation is mired in another destructive war of choice in the Middle East launched by a Republican President. President Trump must understand that there is no military solution to our conflict with Iran. Mr. President, negotiate an end to the Iran War and bring our troops home safely.” Issues : Defense & National Security