Maine's newly elected Democratic representative to Congress is in Iraq today, leading a fact finding mission that includes several other members of Congress.

Representative Chellie Pingree flew to the Middle East on Friday. Her spokesman, Willie Ritch, said that for security reasons he can not say when she will return.

Pingree, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, led a delegation that included: Rep. Bobby Bright (D-Ala.); Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr., (R-Cal.); Rep. Stephen Cohen, (D-Tenn.); Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.).

Pingree met on Sunday in Baghdad with General Ray Odierno, commander of the Multi National Forces in Iraq, and Iraqi officials. The delegation had lunch with U.S. armed service members.

"I wanted to talk directly to the men and women serving in Iraq," Pingree said. "They are making an enormous sacrifice and it is our duty to make sure they have what they need when they are in Iraq, as well as after they return home."

Pingree said that after having met with the Iraqi people and government officials she recognizes how important it will be to withdraw troops in a "careful and responsible" way.