Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) on Monday dismissed criticism for joining a Congressional delegation trip to Iraq just days after being publicly admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee. “It’s all water under the dam,— Burris said, speaking to reporters from Baghdad. “I’m here doing my responsibility and carrying out the duties of a United States Senator.— Burris then brushed off any additional questions on the matter, saying repeatedly: “I will speak on Iraq issues.— The Ethics Committee admonished Burris last week for discrediting himself and the Senate in the way he sought appointment to the seat of now-President Barack Obama. Burris, appointed to his seat by disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), offered his own spin on the ruling, saying he was cleared of any wrongdoing. Despite his decision not to run for a full term next year, Burris has been keeping busy. He also participated in another Congressional trip this month, joining a bipartisan group of Members attending a memorial service for victims of the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas.Oregon Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are also on the trip to Iraq, and the three are expected to return before the Thanksgiving holiday.