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Posted: 8:48 AM Dec 2, 2009
Heartland Lawmakers React To Obama War Plan
Heartland lawmakers serving in Congress were generally supporting Tuesday night following President Obama's address to the nation on the war in Afghanistan. Below are some of the statements released.
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Heartland lawmakers serving in Congress were generally supporting Tuesday night following President Obama's address to the nation on the war in Afghanistan. Below are some of the statements released.
Sen. Ben Nelson, (D) Nebraska:
"I generally support the revised mission and anticipate that key Republicans and Democrats will as well.
I look forward to seeing more detail about the jobs and goals of the additional troops. I also will look closely at plans to train Afghan Army and police officers. They must step up to the plate and protect the Afghan people. I am anxious to see the Administration’s new benchmarks measuring progress of the efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The issue of Afghan governance also is critical. Benchmarks are needed to track progress—or lack thereof—on points such as the ability of the Afghan people to move without restriction, to obtain essential services, and to determine whether citizens believe in their government.
Our commitment in Afghanistan is not open-ended. I hope we can achieve the President’s goal to draw down U.S. forces in 2011. But it must be a conditions-based withdrawal. The Afghan people ultimately will be responsible for their own future and ensuring that Afghanistan doesn’t again become a haven for terrorists, as it was leading up to the dark day of 9/11. ”
Sen. Mike Johanns, (R) Nebraska:
"I am encouraged by the President’s decision to send more troops to carry out our war strategy in Afghanistan, and I strongly support giving his hand-picked commander, General McChrystal, sufficient resources to implement that strategy.
This troop increase will help our Armed Forces secure the Afghan population and ramp up the training of Afghan forces," Johanns said. "This commitment should send a strong message to Afghans and Pakistanis that the United States intends to prevent al Qaeda and its Taliban allies from returning to power in Afghanistan.
I’m concerned about setting a date in mid 2011 for transfer of our forces out of Afghanistan. I am very anxious to learn more about the President’s intention in this regard.
I am very aware of the daily sacrifices our troops and their families are making and I would not support their deployment if I was not convinced of the importance of their mission to U.S. national security. Therefore, I believe that this increased U.S. troop level should decline as the situation improves but I will oppose artificial timelines.
Congressman Lee Terry, (R) Nebraska 2nd District:
“President Obama has made the right decision to increase our ground troops in Afghanistan. We must have a comprehensive plan that includes local tribal leaders and Afghans with assistance from other nations. Our troops must have every resource available to effectively eliminate the Taliban and other terrorists now in control of many parts of the country. To succeed we must show strong military leadership, create jobs for Afghans and provide security to their communities.”
