Hoyer: Iraqis must take responsibility

[Ron Burgundy]

Hoyer: U.S. commitment to Iraq is finite

By NATASHA T. METZLER, Associated Press WriterSat Nov 25, 6:40 PM ET

American support for the fledgling Iraqi government is not unconditional, and Iraq should expect changes in the U.S. role, incoming House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Saturday.

"In the days ahead, the Iraqis must make the tough decisions and accept responsibility for their future," Hoyer, D-Md., said during the weekly Democratic radio address. "And the Iraqis must know: Our commitment, while great, is not unending."

Hoyer's comments were taped Wednesday, before an escalation in sectarian violence in Iraq. At least 215 Shiites were killed in bomb and mortar attacks Thursday in Sadr City. Shiites retaliated Friday by burning six Sunni Arabs alive and killing 19 others in attacks on Sunni mosques.

Once in power, Hoyer said, the Democrats hope to work with Republicans and the Bush administration to change direction in Iraq war plans, "because, clearly, the current strategy is not working."

Democrats will also seek to reach across the aisle to accomplish their other goals. One of their first priorities, Hoyer said, is to pass lobbying and ethics reform.

"We will restore civility and integrity to our legislative process, and transparency and accountability to our government," he said.

Other Democratic goals in the new Congress include:

_Increasing the minimum wage.

_Enacting the Sept. 11 Commission's security recommendations.

_Allowing the government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare patients.

_Cutting energy industry tax breaks.

_Lowering financial hurdles for access to higher education.

"Democrats pledge to address the concerns and issues that affect the lives of working families," Hoyer said.