On the recordJuly 1, 2010
I strongly support it and their efforts to get an exit strategy to end this war. My amendment is very straightforward. It would prevent any escalation or any ongoing combat operation in Afghanistan and limit the funding to the safe and orderly withdrawal of our troops and military contractors from Afghanistan. It is critical to understand that this amendment would provide for the safety of our troops, civilian personnel, and contractors while troop withdrawal takes place. It does not allow funding for ongoing combat operations or for this escalation. It is not a cut-and-run amendment. It would not leave our troops stranded in harm's way. Simply put, this amendment provides for the safe and orderly withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan, and we need it because the reality is that there is no military solution to Afghanistan. In fact, the occupation of Afghanistan is making us less safe.
