Boustany Supports Troop Increase In Afghanistan To Achieve Viable, Long-term Security

Statement

U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), today made the following statement regarding President Obama's decision to send an additional 30,000 American troops to Afghanistan.

"We must never forget Afghanistan was the base for Al Qaeda's attacks on September 11, 2001," said Boustany. "Achieving viable, long-term security in Afghanistan remains critical to U.S. national security, and I support the President's decision to increase the American troop level. To accomplish our mission there, additional troops are required for security, but they must be accompanied by sustainable development. We can achieve our goals in Afghanistan. However, an arbitrary timeline will serve only to embolden Al Qaeda and other terrorists in the region."

Boustany visited with U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, lead U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, and other officials in Afghanistan on November 14 and 15. Boustany also met with leaders in Pakistan to discuss ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan

President Obama announced his decision to send the additional troops to Afghanistan in a televised speech from West Point on Monday evening.

Source