[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 122 (Thursday, July 2, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I voted against the motion to table 
Senator Paul's amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act not 
because I support his amendment as written, but because I believe this 
Senate has a responsibility to fully debate the question of our policy, 
strategy and plans for Afghanistan. Tabling an amendment cuts off all 
debate on this important matter. We should not be ducking these 
decisions. We should confront our policy directly, take stock of where 
we are, and set a responsible course for the future.
  I strongly support ending the war in Afghanistan and the responsible 
withdrawal of our men and women in uniform. However, I believe that 
mandating the total unconditional withdrawal on a 1-year timeline will 
result in the further destabilization of an already volatile region. 
Unconditional withdrawal divorced from a diplomatic process to achieve 
political reconciliation between the warring parties will make it 
harder to achieve a peaceful outcome that serves our national security 
interests.
  Despite my disagreement with much of the substance of the Paul 
amendment, the Senate should deliberate on these matters, not run away 
from the discussion. The decision to table the Paul amendment prevented 
the Senate from performing this essential function.

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