DeLauro Responds to President Obama's Remarks on Afghanistan

Washington, DC- Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) released the following statement today in response to President Obama remarks on Afghanistan:

"I understand that we face challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan that are critical to our national security and that we need to maintain a clear mission focused on dismantling, disrupting and defeating al Qaeda in that region. I believe that such a strategy must involve all elements of U.S. power-military, diplomatic, economic and political-as well as enhanced cooperation with our traditional allies and other partners in the region.

"While I appreciate the careful thought President Obama put into formulating a new way forward in the region that includes all of these elements, I am deeply concerned that his plan once again significantly increases our troop presence in Afghanistan without a more comprehensive exit strategy.

"It will be very difficult for me to support funding for an increased military commitment to fight the Taliban and various insurgent groups that are bringing instability to Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly when we do not appear to have a credible partner in the Karzai Government and are trying to bring stability to one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Moreover, such a course puts more strain on an already overextended military and comes with a price tag that is estimated to reach approximately $100 billion a year.

"I will continue to study the president's plan, but do so believing that we can protect the American people with a smaller military footprint in Afghanistan and that, given the serious economic conditions we face, our long-term position and security in the world will be most enhanced if we focus on investing in jobs and rebuilding the American economy."