U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) today issued the following statement in advance of the Obama Administration's announcement of a revised strategy in Afghanistan, which will be revealed tomorrow evening.
Senator Gregg stated, "Like most Americans, I look forward to hearing the President's plans for Afghanistan and appreciate the President's invitation to join other congressional leaders at the White House on Tuesday to discuss his revised strategy. It is imperative that we provide our commanders and heroic troops with the reinforcements they need to meet the evolving security concerns and accomplish their missions safely and effectively, but it is also past time for the Government of Afghanistan to govern effectively and transparently. There is a direct correlation between the success of our policy in Afghanistan and the success -- and sustainability -- of the Government of Afghanistan. You can't have one without the other.
"It is essential that the Administration's new policy provides the necessary support for our troops, while strengthening the multilateral character of stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Thus far, America has shouldered much of the military commitment and reconstruction burden. Any new policy must include defined and enhanced roles for our allies, including on the front lines.
"As Ranking Member of the State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to seriously weigh funding requests for Afghanistan against progress in that country and the leadership demonstrated by the Government of Afghanistan in building a viable and sustainable nation. A lack of political will to enhance security, tackle corruption and improve governance will have consequences."