Many House freshmen make Iraq visit

At least two dozen freshman House lawmakers have elected to travel to Iraq during their first seven months in office, according to a survey conducted by The Hill.

Of the 55 new House members, at least 18 Democrats and six Republicans have made the trip, while those who have not include at least five Republicans and 20 Democrats.

{mosads}A 56th new member, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.), was sworn in July 25 following a special election to replace the late Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.). He was not included in the survey.

While lawmakers often describe Iraq trips as a powerful and moving experience, almost none return with changed minds — or switch their position on Iraq-related votes.

The survey included members who returned to office in the 2006 elections following a prior absence. Of those lawmakers, Rep. Baron Hill (D-Ind.) made a trip during a previous term but has not traveled to Iraq in the past year.

And Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.), who served a seven-month tour of duty in Iraq as an Army paratrooper before running for Congress last fall, returned this spring with a congressional delegation.

Several lawmakers who have not traveled to Iraq said they have asked to do so, or are planning a trip during the August recess. Any committee can organize congressional delegations, and members outside the panel can participate when spaces are available.

Editor's Note: After The Hill's survey had been completed, five lawmakers — Reps. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Timothy Mahoney (D-Fla.), Gerald McNerney (D-Calif.) and Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) — embarked on a trip to Iraq as part of the first bipartisan, all-freshman delegation of House members.