[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 101 (Friday, July 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1270-E1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2219) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes:

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chair, like many Americans, I have been growing 
increasingly concerned about the ongoing war in Afghanistan. The war 
that was launched in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist 
attacks was designed to destroy the capability of the al-Qaeda 
terrorists responsible for those attacks and root out the Taliban 
government that was harboring them. Over the years, the purpose and 
goals of this war have changed, and we are now engaged in a long-term 
effort to build up the capacity of the Afghan Government and its 
security forces, to improve the infrastructure and economy of the 
country, and to provide an improved standard of living for its people.
  These are admirable goals, but after almost a decade of war where 
we've tragically lost

[[Page E1271]]

the lives of more than 1,600 American soldiers, we appear to be far 
from achieving them. I had the opportunity to visit Afghanistan last 
year to meet with our troops and commanders and see the situation on 
the ground for myself. Our men and women in uniform have been doing an 
outstanding job under incredibly difficult circumstances.
  At the same time, my visit to Afghanistan also increased my concerns 
about our long-term goals and the viability of our mission there. 
Today, after having spent more than four hundred billion dollars, I 
believe we must ask ourselves how long we can continue spending $6 
billion every month for so little measurable gain.
  I was disappointed by the President's announcement last month that we 
would be withdrawing only 10,000 troops this year and 23,000 by next 
summer, and that is why I supported an amendment to the Department of 
Defense Appropriations Act that would have accelerated that withdrawal. 
The amendment I supported, offered by my colleague, Representative 
Garamendi, would have reduced funding for combat operations while 
allowing for a reserve force of 25,000 troops to protect American 
personnel, carry out anti-terrorism operations, and assist with the 
training of Afghanistan's security forces.
  While I was disappointed this amendment did not pass, I cannot in 
good conscience vote against the underlying bill at this time. While 
our troops remain in harm's way, we have an obligation to ensure that 
they have the equipment, training, and support they need. However, I 
plan to continue to press for a plan that will quickly and responsibly 
bring more of our troops home from Afghanistan so that we can focus our 
resources on protecting our Nation and targeting the terrorists who 
threaten our security.

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