Cunningham outlines threats, calls for putting more troops in Iraq

By: MARK WALKER(nctimes) - Staff Writer

ESCONDIDO ---- America remains threatened by al-Qaida terrorists who want to repeat the kind of attack that happened on 9-11, U.S. Randy "Duke" Cunningham said Tuesday.

In an address to the Escondido Rotary Club, Cunningham said that bringing stability to Iraq, Israel and the Middle East in general is one of the keys to reducing that threat.

"Are we safe? Absolutely not," said Cunningham, a member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence and chairman of its Human Intelligence Analysis and Counterintelligence Subcommittee.


Reporters from the North County Times and The San Diego Union-Tribune newspapers were allowed to attend the Rotary luncheon at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Radio and television reporters who wanted to question the congressman about an ongoing grand jury investigation that he is at the center of for his dealings with a Washington defense contractor were kept outside as Cunningham addressed foreign affairs, the economy and energy issues.

Cunningham said two recent trips he took to Saudi Arabia as the guest of San Diego businessman allowed him to speak with the Saudi ruling family and members of its Cabinet.

He said that despite Osama bin Laden's connections to the ruling family, keeping Saudi Arabia's leadership in place also is necessary to hold down growing anti-American sentiments in that region of the world.

The former U.S. Navy fighter pilot also said that a free Iraq and a free Afghanistan are important parts of the ongoing efforts to thwart terror attacks. He called for speeding efforts to turn internal security in Iraq over to Iraqis.

"We need to get the Iraqis trained faster so we can get out faster," he said, adding that he believes more U.S. troops are needed to help stem the insurgency and train the Iraqis to provide their own protection.

The Escondido Republican said last week's loss of two of four members of a Navy SEAL team in the mountains of Afghanistan and the loss of 16 members of the military aboard a Chinook special operations helicopter sent to rescue them was especially sad. One of the SEAL team members was rescued and one is missing.

"It's hurts to see those kids killed," said Cunningham, who was one of the most heavily decorated combat pilots during the Vietnam War.

Turning to the economy and energy issues, Cunningham said the Bush administration needs to do all that it can to reduce the current price of oil. He said he supports many of the efforts aimed at finding new sources of natural gas and oil, but does not support new offshore drilling in California.

On highway and mass-transit issues, he said Congress needs to pass a new transportation bill soon that invests heavily in improving the region's freeways and reducing congestion.

During a question-and-answer session following his remarks, Cunningham drew applause for his statement that he opposes President Bush's proposal to grant amnesty to illegal aliens.

Cunningham favors increased measures along the border with Mexico to reduce illegal immigration.