Tauscher Praises Travis, is Somber Regarding Iraq War

Tauscher Praises Travis, is Somber Regarding Iraq War
By Danny Bernardini/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com

Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher spoke before a packed room Wednesday and sounded excited to be back in Northern California.

"It's really, really nice to be home," Tauscher said.

Tauscher, D-Solano, chairwoman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, spoke at a luncheon held by the Solano Economic Development Corporation held in the Travis Federal Credit Union Headquarters in Vacaville.

Joined in the crowd by county supervisors and several mayors from surrounding cities, she touched on issues such as the war in Iraq, transportation and her recent work in the nation's capital.

"It is amazing how popular you get when you're in the majority," she said.

She praised the work of her staff and local agencies and thanked Travis Air Force Base for its contributions to the war as well as its relief efforts.

"It's amazing to me how much Travis has done," she said. "They are the pride of Solano County and the pride of Northern California."

What started out as a feel-good speech, soon turned a bit more somber as Tauscher began to speak of the war.

"I know all of you keep our fighting men and women and their families in your prayers," she said.

Other issues surrounding Iraq were the shortage of soldiers and the availability of C-17 and C-5 aircraft for transporting troops, humanitarian aide and moving equipment. She also called for the troops to come home, but prefaced it with the need for the Iraqi government to step up.

Noting it would take some sacrifice and bloodshed, she said the Iraqi government needs to attempt to create oil-sharing revenues between the Shiites and the Sunnis and create an opportunity for one government.

"Until they start to do that, the war will continue," she said. "This is not something we can do. These problems can not be solved militarily."

After the speech she urged those in attendance to reach out.

"I ask you to do what you have always been doing. Tell me what you are thinking," Tauscher said.

Danny Bernardini can be contacted at county@thereporter.com.