“President Obama’s Oval Office address this evening marked an important moment for America, as U.S. combat operations in Iraq have now ended. Those operations ended as promised and within the promised timeframe. While this chapter in American history is now coming to a close, other challenges still lay ahead. 50,000 American troops remain in Iraq for non-combat purposes. Tens of thousands more continue to fight al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. As we move forward, we shall continue to honor those who are currently serving and extend our thanks to those who have now come home from the Middle East. To that end, President Obama committed to our American soldiers that they will have the resources they need to succeed on the battlefield and at home.

“As the President has said, America’s commitment to our veterans is a sacred trust and upholding that commitment is a moral obligation. To that end, this Administration is investing in a 21st century Veterans Administration that can meet the needs of veterans quickly and efficiently. By funding the post-9/11 GI bill, President Obama is helping hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families to obtain a higher education. In so doing, the President has demonstrated that while combat operations in Iraq have ended, our country’s dedication to those who served there never will.

“At the same time President Obama is working to guarantee the safety of the American people and to safeguard the future of American families and workers by strengthening America’s position not only militarily but also economically. That means laying a solid foundation for economic growth and prosperity, and making sure that Americans have the tools they need to compete effectively in the global economy. I hope that as leaders of both parties can mark the end of U.S. combat operations together, they can also come together with the President to take the steps necessary for a more secure and brighter economic future for all Americans.”