Brian Jones: “Today I have the front page cover of Douglas Wissing's book, ``Funding the Enemy: How U.S. Taxpayers Bankroll the…”

“Today I have the front page cover of Douglas Wissing's book, ``Funding the Enemy: How U.S. Taxpayers Bankroll the Taliban.'' A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with Douglas in my office here in D.C. to discuss his book. One of the analyses of this book by the Publishers Weekly said: `` `Funding the Enemy' is sober, sad, and important . . . it peels back the layers of American engagement in Afghanistan to reveal its rotten core: that United States dollars meant for that country's future instead fund the insurgency and support the Taliban. Paying for both sides of the war ensures America's ultimate defeat, and Wissing's book tells the story.'' Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of this book as we recently heard President Trump talk about how he would allow General Mattis to recommend troop level increases in Afghanistan. I am disappointed for many reasons. I am disappointed because Congress deserves a debate and a vote, and I am disappointed because we continue to lose American lives. Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the administration of comments that President Trump made a few years ago regarding Afghanistan: First, in August of 2011, he said that the United States was wasting lives and money in Iraq and Afghanistan.…”