On the recordMay 25, 2011
Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of subtitle B of title XII, add the following new section: SEC. 1217. SAFE WITHDRAWAL OF UNITED STATES GROUND FORCES FROM AFGHANISTAN. (a) Commencement of Withdrawal.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with military commanders and the Government of Afghanistan, shall commence a safe, responsible, and phased withdrawal of units and members of the Army and Marine Corps deployed in Afghanistan and military contractors operating in Afghanistan and funded using amounts appropriated to the Department of Defense. (b) Retention of Forces for Counter-terrorism Operations.-- The Secretary of Defense may continue to deploy units and members of the Army and Marine Corps in Afghanistan, and military contractors supporting such forces, to conduct small, targeted counter-terrorism operations. (c) Withdrawal Plan.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress the plan for implementing the withdrawal of United States ground forces, military equipment, and military contractors supporting such forces from Afghanistan as safely and quickly as possible pursuant to subsection (a). The Secretary shall submit additional reports on the progress of implementing the plan every 180 days thereafter. The Acting CHAIR.…





