Rep. Hoekstra Defends Use of Twitter in Iraq, Afghanistan

Republican Rep. Pete Hoekstra on Tuesday defended his decision to file real-time online reports of his whereabouts in Iraq and Afghanistan during a congressional delegation's trip over the weekend.

Despite the potential security concerns, the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee told reporters he did not break any intelligence or House rules by posting on the popular Web site Twitter.

The Michigan congressman argued that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama also have used Twitter and other electronic means to communicate their activities just as he did.

His Twitter posts during the trip were mostly vague and very brief.

"Just landed in Baghdad. I believe it may be first time I've had bb service in Iraq. 11th trip here," one of them said.

"Moved into green zone by helicopter Iraqi flag now over palace. Headed to new US embassy," said another.

Reporters, though, were told to keep the trip under wraps for security purposes.

Hoekstra joked about the concern over his Twitter page when first asked about it Tuesday.

"This press conference is about Iraq and Afghanistan. As soon as this is done, I will Twitter you a response. Have you signed up for my Twitter?"

His Web site also cheekily called the flap "Twitterversy."

Click here to read Hoekstra's Twitter site. 

FOX News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.