Mr. KENNETH KATZMAN (Specialist in Middle East Affairs, Congressional Research Service): The declaration of principles obviously was quite broad, and it would appear to commit the United States to basically keeping the elected Iraqi government in power against internal threats.
To qualify, the service member and his or her partner must sign a "declaration of domestic partnership" attesting to the exclusive and committed relationship.
"The establishment of this declaration is a fitting honor and a tribute to the extraordinary dedication and service of the department's civilian work force, " he said.