July 06, 2016

Manchin Statement On President's Decision On Afghanistan Troop Withdrawals

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement after the President’s announcement that 8,400 troops will remain in Afghanistan through next year.

“I continue to fully support bringing all our troops home so that we can focus on rebuilding West Virginia, instead of Afghanistan. However, I understand that the President is making this decision based on the best military advice from his commanders, and I am hopeful that keeping 8,400 troops in Afghanistan through next year will provide the resources necessary to continue our counterterrorism mission and enable Afghanistan’s Army and Police forces to fight the Taliban insurgency without the presence of coalition forces.

“This has been a long fight, lasting almost 15 years, costing us more than 2300 lives and billions of tax payers’ dollars. It is time to complete our mission in Afghanistan and focus on and prepare for future threats that face our country.”

 

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