“I am delighted that General Bray will join me tomorrow as a representative of the brave Rhode Islanders who are serving and who have served in Iraq,” said Langevin. “I am eager to hear firsthand from Iraq’s leader his assessment of the current situation there, as well as his plans for the future of his nation.”

There are currently 267 Rhode Island National Guard members deployed throughout the world.  Since operations began after Sept. 11, 2001, 3,900 Rhode Island National Guard members have served at home or abroad.

“Traveling to Washington, D.C., to hear the Iraqi Prime Minister speak is a unique opportunity for me,” said Bray. “The more information I have regarding the situation in Iraq the more I can do to advocate and support our troops abroad and help their loved ones waiting for their return.”

Langevin believes that over the next year a significant transition needs to begin in Iraq.

“As a nation and a Congress, we need to make hard choices to ensure that our presence in Iraq does not do long-term damage to our military or endanger the men and women who proudly defend our nation,” said Langevin. “My top priority is keeping the men and women serving with the Rhode Island National Guard well-equipped and to bring them out of harm's way as soon as possible. We also must find a way to make sure the Rhode Island Guard is capable of meeting its infrastructure and equipment challenges at home, so they can respond swiftly and efficiently when needed here.”