Pelosi Statement on President Obama's Announcement on Afghanistan Troop Levels

Statement

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after President Obama announced that the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan will be over by the end of 2014; that troop levels will be reduced to 9,800 service members by the start of 2015 and cut in half by the end of that year; and that nearly all military personnel will be drawn down by the close of 2016.

"Today, President Obama announced a path forward to fulfill his core promise: to enhance the security of the American people, to end the war in Afghanistan responsibly, and to bring us closer to the day when all of our troops can come safely home.

"The course of action unveiled today moves our nation step-by-step to a conclusion of the long conflict in Afghanistan. This strategy will ensure our military maintains a strong enough presence to continue supporting counter-terrorism operations, train Afghan security forces, and build on the efforts to return responsibility for the safety of the Afghan people to Afghanistan's leaders themselves.

"The longest war in American history is now coming to an end. We have reached this moment thanks to the bravery of our troops and the sacrifices they and their families have made over more than a decade of conflict. As these men and women prepare to return home, we express our unending gratitude for their service and rededicate ourselves to never lose focus on our common mission: to protect the security of all Americans, preserve freedom for all families, and promote peace worldwide."

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