Political Quotes

“I rise to voice my support for the people of Afghanistan who this week on Saturday will be in the midst of a Presidential election pursuing the first Democratic transfer of power in that nation's history. April 5 will be a momentous day, a Presidential election where millions of Afghans will head to the polls to determine their destiny by a peaceful means. As we know much is going on in the world in Ukraine, Syria, and Iran. It is easy to miss this milestone, but it is a milestone I think should have some significance to us as Americans. Americans should be proud of the role we have played in bringing the Afghan people to this point, given the significant sacrifice members of our country have made. There have been nearly 2,300 servicemembers who have given their lives in Afghanistan--2,299. The United States has spent $600 billion in Afghanistan since September of 2011. While we cannot gloss over the challenges that remain in Afghanistan today and tomorrow, we should remember the progress that has been achieved in 13 years since the Taliban fell in October of 2001, progress that has been made possible because of the sacrifices of American service men and women, our diplomats, the American people, and the grit and determination of the Afghan people. On April 5 Afghans will defy those who seek to intimidate them through violence and terrorism because it is a fundamental choice: Does Afghanistan want to move forward or go backward to horrific days.…”