Chuck Hagel: “This legislation is similar to H.R. 3994, sponsored by the chairman of the House International Relations Committee…”

“This legislation is similar to H.R. 3994, sponsored by the chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Congressman Hyde. This bill was passed in the House of Representatives on May 16 by a vote of 390 to 22. The Afghan Freedom Support Act commits the United States to the democratic and economic development of Afghanistan. In addition to the economic and political assistance found in title I of this legislation, title II seeks to enhance the stability and security of Afghanistan in the region by authorizing military assistance to the Afghan Government and to certain other countries in the region, including assistance for counternarcotics, crime control, and police training. The United States must stay closely and actively engaged in helping Afghanistan through a very dangerous and difficult transition to stability, security, and, ultimately, to a democratic government. We are at the beginning of a long process. We cannot be distracted or deterred from this objective. Our credibility, our word, and our security, are directly linked to success in Afghanistan. And there cannot be political stability and economic development in Afghanistan without security. My legislation, and the companion legislation passed by the House, would authorize $1.15 billion over 4 years for economic and democratic development assistance for Afghanistan, as well as up to $300 million in drawdown authority for military and other security assistance.”