Senator Chuck Grassley released the following statement after President Barack Obama tonight outlined his strategy for the war in Afghanistan.
“President Obama campaigned on the importance of Afghanistan over Iraq and in March announced a strategy for the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan. He fired the General who was in charge and put General McChrystal in place to move his strategy forward. So, one could only assume that he would follow through on his own promises made over the last year.
“There is a lot of anxiety from the American people about the president’s plan. Before September 11, I had strong reservations about any large scale involvement in this region of the world. I think my vote against the first Gulf War indicates that. But, September 11 and incidents since then such as Najibullah Zazi and Fort Hood have taught us that we are not immune. What’s going on in the Middle East is an indication as to what can happen in our own backyard.
“There’s no question that, at this time, we need to give our troops the resources to succeed. They have sacrificed time and time again in the name of freedom. But, it’s time the president rethink the 12.5 percent increase in domestic spending during this time of war.”