PORTER RETURNS FROM LEADING CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Third District Congressman Jon Porter has returned from leading a Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Porter was joined on the trip by Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL), Rep. Melissa Hart (R-PA), Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) and Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-MO).

"One of our most important responsibilities as members of Congress is to make sure our troops have every resource they need while advancing democracy overseas," said Porter. "By visiting these heroes where they serve, we're able to get a much better understanding of what we can do to make their jobs safer and easier. The insights I've gained through my interactions and experiences with members of our military over the past week will prove invaluable as I fight for their cause in the halls of Congress."

The trip began in Germany, where the delegation spent time at Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center visiting troops wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The group also met with military medical staff to discuss nursing shortages in the military and private sector, an issue Porter recently held field hearings on as Chairman of the Federal Workforce and Agency Organization Subcommittee.

From there the delegation moved on to Kuwait, where they spent time with U.S. troops at Camp Arifjan, a major allied base in the heart of the country. Porter was able to meet with a number of Nevada soldiers stationed there, all of whom expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support shown by fellow Nevadans. The group also toured a HUMVEE up-armor facility to observe safety improvements being made to military vehicles.

The next stop was Iraq, where the group toured Balad Air Base, located approximately 50 miles north of Baghdad. Porter was able to once again spend time with Nevada soldiers, as well as hold another meeting with military nurses to examine the challenges they face. The group also visited the Joint Intelligence Center, where they learned more about the military's intelligence-gathering capabilities.

The grimmest portion of the trip was spent in Pakistan, where the delegation reviewed relief efforts in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of over 73,000 Pakistanis, half of whom were children. During meetings with Embassy officials, Porter was pleased to learn that the U.S. has taken a lead in providing critically needed supplies and assistance, working closely with other nations we are often at odds with.

The last leg of the trip brought the delegation to Afghanistan, where they met with President Hamid Karzai to discuss pressing issues facing the country, including government efforts to curb opium production. The group was also the first official Congressional delegation to meet with the newly-constituted Afghan Parliament. They met with Yunus Qanooni, Speaker of the Wolesi Jirga, Afghanistan's counterpart to the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as with several women serving in Parliament to discuss the challenges facing Afghanistan and their particular provinces.

One of the many highlights of the trip for Porter was being able to spread some holiday cheer to the troops through music. During breaks in their busy schedule, Porter (keyboards), Weldon (bass), Peterson (guitar and vocals), McCotter (lead guitar) and Hulshof (drums), who form the "Second Amendments," played 6 shows at various bases and military facilities. The bi-partisan band, who added holiday tunes to their usual rock 'n roll/country/blues play list for the trip, played for roughly 2,000 troops.

"To be able to provide some holiday entertainment for our brave men and women in uniform was truly a rewarding experience. Seeing smiles form on the faces of some of our troops as they sang along or joined us onstage for a song is something that I won't soon forget," Porter concluded.

While overseas, Porter compiled daily "e-updates," of his experiences, which provide an in-depth look at the delegation's activities and findings. To access these updates, as well as photos from the trip, visit www.house.gov/porter.