Aderholt Statement On President Obama's Speech On Afghanistan

Statement

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) tonight issued the following statement after the President's speech on the war in Afghanistan at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY.

"I commend the President for deciding to deploy more troops to complete the mission laid out by Gen. Stanley McChrystal. This decision brings us closer to success in Afghanistan, which can be defined as a stable country that denies the Taliban and al-Qaeda a safehaven to launch attacks against the Afghan people, Afghanistan's neighbors, or the United States and its allies."

"Even though I support this surge of troops and resources, I caution against any talk of a timetable or "exit-strategy" because of the possibility of signals to the Taliban and al-Qaeda that they can wait for U.S. forces to leave the region."

"Lastly, I strongly disagree with any possibility of a "war tax", which is being discussed by some Democrats in Washington, to offset the cost of any increased military effort in Afghanistan. Instead, Congress must re-prioritize spending to provide for our most vital public service - national defense, while limiting the trend of massive non-essential domestic spending."

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