U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, will travel to Iraq with eight Senate colleagues next week to get a firsthand look at the devastation left by the war and the ongoing efforts at reconstruction.

The nine-member delegation from the Senate Armed Services Committee plans to meet with American forces stationed in the region. Collins said she would be meeting some troops from Maine.

“Our committee has very important decisions to make, and it is imperative that we are well informed about our accomplishments, the current status and the many challenges that lie ahead,” Collins said.

“Most of all, I look forward to meeting with American men and women who are serving in that region so that we can reiterate our support and appreciation for their efforts and we can ensure that they area as safe and well equipped as possible.”