Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Praises Possible Fast-Track of Afghanistan Withdrawal

Statement

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement regarding the recent reporting of the Obama Administration's consideration of an accelerated withdrawal from Afghanistan and a "zero option" for post-2014 troop levels.

"I am encouraged by reports that the Administration is considering an accelerated withdrawal from the prolonged war in Afghanistan, and drastically reducing planned troop levels after 2014. History has shown repeatedly that a lasting peaceful and stable Afghanistan can only be achieved by the Afghan people.

"As our nation continues to shift its focus to Asia and the Pacific, with deep budget cuts and a need to invest in our economy here at home, we cannot afford a protracted withdrawal from Afghanistan. In order to invest in our domestic future, and address other direct and emerging threats around the world, we must use our limited financial resources and troops effectively.

"It is in the best interest of our nation to bring our troops home as quickly and safely as possible. Our service members have selflessly placed themselves into harm's way in Afghanistan, while their families sacrifice at home. Their homecoming is long overdue."

In April, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard visited Afghanistan with a Congressional delegation in order to get an on-the-ground assessment of the overall coalition force structure posture, status of retrograde, capabilities of the Afghan forces, and challenges the United States faces in the troop drawdown. During recent House consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2014, she supported a successful amendment to require an accelerated troop drawdown in Afghanistan and justification by the President for any American troops on the ground after 2014.

Source