Congresswoman Lee: More Troops Not the Answer in Afghanistan
Contact: Ricci Graham
(510) 763-0370
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement in response to reports that an additional 1,400 U.S. troops will be deployed to Afghanistan in the coming weeks, with as many as 3,000 total troops being considered for added deployment:
“I categorically oppose a further escalation of the U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan.
“In 2001, I placed the lone vote against the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force in Afghanistan because I believed that it might pave the way to open-ended war,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Unfortunately, each week brings additional news that my worst fears have been realized.
“This action will further entrench the United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan on the false premise of a military-first strategy that has consistently proven itself ineffective and counterproductive.
“This latest troop deployment is yet another example of our military generals’ predictable and misguided recommendation that the situation in Afghanistan demands more time, more lives, and more resources.
“Just six months away from the President’s pledged start of withdrawal from Afghanistan in July 2011, sending more of our brave men and women in uniform into an impossible situation in Afghanistan is not the answer.
“As we enter the 112th Congress, I will continue to work with my colleagues to demand significant and meaningful reductions to the U.S. military presence in July of 2011 and the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors in Afghanistan at the soonest possible date.”
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