Tom Udall: “I rise to discuss the Presidential review that is taking place on the war in Afghanistan. We are approaching another…”

“I rise to discuss the Presidential review that is taking place on the war in Afghanistan. We are approaching another signpost in the conflict that has kept our military men and women in harm's way longer than any other in our history--109 months and counting. That is longer than the wars in Vietnam or Iraq. It is even longer than the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. The signpost I wish to speak of is one President Obama posted when he ordered the troop increase in Afghanistan last December. In his orders, he also called for a review of our war strategy to be conducted 1 year later. That review was to include: The security situation and other conditions, including improvement in Afghan governance, development of Afghan National Security Forces, Pakistani actions and international support. That review is due this month. I commend our President for his foresight in calling for this review. But in recent months, I have read troubling statements from administration and military leaders. These statements lead me to believe this review is seen as nothing more than a check in the box.”