Statement on U.S. Involvement in Afghanistan

 “During trips to Afghanistan, including one as recent as last December, I was able to observe first-hand the conditions, political climate and situational realities in the region.  With each and every encounter, the most impressive and inspiring work was that of the American military. 

“While the news of a substantial drawdown in troops is welcome, I would prefer a timetable measured in months, not years, with complete withdrawal by the end of 2012.   With the capture of Osama Bin Laden and the disruption of al Qaeda we have accomplished our stated rationale for going to war and now we should be bringing our men and women home.  

“Nearly 10 years after the start of U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, this nation has paid dearly – 11,000 Americans wounded and more than 1,600 of our bravest making the ultimate sacrifice.  A decade later, following significant costs in lives and resources we remain without reliable partners in this effort and I am not convinced a liberal democracy will blossom in the next couple years.

"The financial burden of maintaining this presence has now reached a cost of over $800 billion. At a time when the need for nation building right here at home is increasingly urgent, we need to focus on dedicating that money to creating jobs here in Western New York and across the U.S."