Congresswoman Laura Richardson Speaks at Bipartisan Press Conference Urging Expedited Withdrawal from Afghanistan

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Laura Richardson spoke at a bipartisan press conference in support of expedited withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

"The United States intervened in Afghanistan to destroy al Qaeda and pursue those responsible for the September 11th attacks and those objectives have largely been met.

Thanks to the leadership and determination of President Obama and the courage and skill of our men and women in uniform, one year ago justice was meted out to the mastermind of 9/11, Osama bin Laden.

Since the death of Osama bin Laden, the core of al Qaeda has been severely weakened, their size has been greatly reduced, and their ability to attack Americans, almost eradicated.

The past 10 years have cost America in the blood and sacrifice of our military servicemen and women and their families. Over the past decade, more than 17,000 men and women who serve in uniform have died or been wounded in the war.

In addition, long term costs of the war in Afghanistan are estimated at 4 trillion dollars. Since 2001, the war in Afghanistan has cost the 37th Congressional District more than 8 million dollars.

It is now time to accelerate the transition of security responsibility from the U.S. to full Afghan control and turn our focus to bringing our troops home.

Today, we stand together as a nation and rejoice as we look forward to the expedited return of thousands of men and women in Afghanistan whose countless sacrifices, remarkable service, and enormous achievements in the name of our great nation will never be forgotten. It's time for these brave men and women to come home." said Congresswoman Laura Richardson

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