WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

"Like President Obama, I opposed the war from the beginning, and I support his plan to responsibly end the war in Iraq.

"The critical issue here is the missions these troops are going to be performing. The President clearly stated that the combat mission in Iraq is coming to an end. The remaining units there are going to be devoted to training Iraqi forces, targeting al-Qaeda, and protecting our troops.

"And we will dedicate more resources to safeguarding America and destroying terrorist networks in the border regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"After six long years of war, President Obama's plan signals an end to combat operations in Iraq and refocuses our efforts on the most significant threats facing the United States."