Bobby Bright

Mr. BRIGHT

Mr. BRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, as many of you have heard, a tragic shooting occurred yesterday in Geneva and Coffee Counties in Alabama. Without question, this is one of the worst tragedies our State and our Nation has seen in quite some time. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and with the entire Wiregrass community in southeast Alabama. The details are still being confirmed, but I do know that our community owes a debt of gratitude to the local law enforcement officials who bravely put themselves in the line of fire. Without their swift actions and courage, the tragedy could have been even worse than it was yesterday. I will be returning to my district later today to assist local leaders and law enforcement officials in any way that I can and to be with my constituents as we mourn the loss of friends and neighbors. I ask that all of my colleagues here in the House and people watching right now from around the country keep the people of southeast Alabama in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. BRIGHT

Mr. BRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, last week I visited Iraq and Afghanistan for the first time as a Member of Congress. The six-member bipartisan delegation met with soldiers, commanders, Iraqi and Afghanistan leaders and ordinary citizens. Though it was a truly eye-opening experience, it only strengthened my deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who serve in our military. They have always performed bravely and done everything we have asked them to do. As we were in the Middle East, the President announced that an additional 17,000 troops would be sent to Afghanistan. Based on my observations in Afghanistan, a strengthened American presence is badly needed, along with a strong coalition. However, there should be a clear sense of mission with measurable goals in order to give our troops the best possible chance for success. I look forward to working on the Armed Services Committee to ensure that we meet these goals and that our troops are always given the resources they need.