U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon), Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding the President’s announcement on Afghanistan: 

"National security decisions should be based on the facts on the ground, not on the calendar. Arbitrary deadlines tell the enemy how long they must hold out and create doubts in those we are trying to persuade to join us. I’m also afraid that it increases the dangers to the troops that remain.

The President’s announcement in December 2009 to send additional troops into Afghanistan was a good decision that made a real difference. There is no doubt that our troops have had great success. Twice in the last few weeks, I have walked in Afghan villages where I could never have walked this time a year ago. And while tonight’s decision could have been worse, I am still concerned that political considerations may be undercutting these efforts and our overall mission, which is to prevent the country from again becoming a sanctuary and training ground for terrorists to attack us."

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