Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Formal Ending of the Iraq War

As one of only 23 Senators – and the lone Republican – to vote against the Iraq War, I am grateful that we have finally reached this day.

I have long been an advocate of George Kennan’s philosophy of containment, which served the United States so well during the Cold War years, and I was amazed at how quickly we abandoned such a successful philosophy.

The sadness that I feel about entering the war under false pretenses is tempered by tremendous pride in the extraordinary sacrifices made by all of the American military personnel who served in Iraq. Their dedication and their commitment to their country is worthy of the highest praise.

I extend my deepest sympathies to all those who lost loved ones to the Iraq War, and it is my sincere hope moving forward that we, as a nation, will bear in mind the important lessons of the past nine years.