PHOTO: On Iraq Trip, Congressman McGovern Meets Constituents Serving in U.S. Embassy in Baghdad

Washington, DC, June 30, 2015

On a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) trip to the Middle East this week, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) met with two constituents. During the delegation’s time in Iraq, Congressman McGovern met with military and diplomatic leaders, including John Sullivan of Worcester and Scott Harney of Everett, both serving in the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. View photo online here.

“On my Congressional trip to Iraq this week, I was proud to meet with two constituents serving our country in the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad,” Congressman McGovern said. “John Sullivan of Worcester and Scott Harney of Everett are both doing good work here and I am grateful for their service. This trip is all about recognizing the important work our brave men and women in uniform and in our civilian services are doing to protect our national security and giving them the support they need to do it.”

From left to right: John Sullivan of Worcester, Congressman McGovern, Scott Harney of Everett.

In Baghdad on Sunday evening, the delegation met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to discuss efforts to build a more unified and inclusive government representative of all Iraqis. The delegation stressed the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and Iraq and noted the United States' strong support to Government of Iraq-led efforts to defeat ISIS.

On Monday, the delegation met with Iraqi Minister of Defense Khaled al-Obeidi, Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Salim al-Jabouri, Anbar Governor Rawi, and other Sunni tribal leaders to hear their perspectives on the current successes and challenges to national reconciliation efforts, including decentralization and economic issues, and winning the battle against ISIS. Throughout the meetings, the delegation stressed the importance of prioritizing Sunni engagement, bringing all armed groups under the control of the central government and guarding against Iranian influence.

They also met with U.S. servicemembers as well as foreign service officers to listen to their impressions from their time in Iraq and to thank them for their service and sacrifice, especially when being so far from loved ones.

Today, the delegation will travel to Turkey, including a visit to Ankara. Read more about the trip here.

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