Congressman Pete King

Afghanistan

While U.S. Forces initially drove the Taliban and Al Qaeda from power in Afghanistan, they have reconstituted across the border in Pakistan and are launching attacks into Afghanistan. The situation has been caused by a breakdown in Pakistan’s government and the failure of our NATO allies to provide their fair share of fighting troops. It is imperative that we not allow Al Qaeda to reclaim a sanctuary to plan and prepare for another attack similar to 9/11. That is why I support President Obama’s decision to increase our troop strength. I have visited Afghanistan and know this mission will not be easy. I have great faith, however, in our troops and in their new commander, General Stanley McChrystal, whom I met when he was leading the Special Operations Command in Iraq. With support from Congress, American troops will get the job done. I assure you I will stand by our troops and will continue to support legislation such as the United States-Afghanistan Security and Stability Act (H.R. 2482) which will give our troops the funding which they need.