On the recordMarch 10, 2010
Today, so very late, represents the first real House debate on Afghanistan since President Obama announced that the path to peace could only be found through wider war. I have continually challenged that policy. But because our security, I believe, will not be found in either the false choice of 'more troops in' or 'all out now,' I cannot support the resolution, as I do not support our current strategy in Afghanistan. This December escalation announcement by the President was counterproductive and somewhat misleading. He tried to have it both ways. He pledged to begin withdrawing troops in July 2011, but his plan continues sending troops through near the end of this year. Defense Secretary Gates was more candid. He says that any withdrawal next year will be a 'handful,' that there is no real Afghanistan exit strategy, and that a large military presence is planned there for 'a very long time.'
