Speier Statement on Afghanistan Resolution

Statement

Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) today released the following statement after voting for a War Powers resolution that would direct the President to remove all Armed Forces from Afghanistan no later than December 31, 2011.

"Afghanistan is now the longest war in U.S. history. As we approach its 10th anniversary, it is clear this ongoing conflict is hurting our economic and national security. The time to safely withdraw our troops from Afghanistan was yesterday. Our goal--to disrupt and defeat al-Qaeda wherever they exist--would be better served through a combination of intelligence and counterterrorism operations. Continuing to occupy Afghanistan will create more terrorists than we could ever kill or capture. Furthermore, we've already spent over $1 trillion in Iraq and Afghanistan and that price tag will reach $3 trillion when all costs are factored in over time. This money would be better spent investing in the American people and paying down the deficit. We simply cannot afford a war without end; it is time to begin to bring our troops home."

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