Ending the War in Afghanistan

It is time to bring our sons and daughters home and hand over security in Afghanistan to the people of Afghanistan.

U.S. and British soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan Salem-News.com photo by Tim King

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - After 10 years, more than one hundred thousand American troops remain in Afghanistan, at the cost of over $100 billion a year and the lives and well-being of too many of our young men and women who wear the uniform.

America has accomplished the goals that were originally set out in Afghanistan: eliminating al Qaeda's safe haven and bringing to justice those responsible for 9/11. Over time, however, the mission added an additional nation-building objective that is not critical to our national security but faces enormous obstacles and consumes an enormous share of our military and economic resources.

It is time to bring our sons and daughters home and hand over security in Afghanistan to the people of Afghanistan.

Senator Merkley has introduced a bipartisan amendment to the defense authorization bill that would tell the President to accelerate the timetable for ending our military commitment in Afghanistan. If his amendment passes, within 90 days the President would have to submit to Congress a plan to expedite the transition of all military and security operations in Afghanistan to the Government of Afghanistan.

Thirteen of Jeff's colleagues in United State Senate have cosponsored the amendment, which could get a vote as soon as tomorrow. Please join Jeff in his effort to end the nation-building in Afghanistan and provide more nation-building here at home.