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Rep. Jim McDermott Statement on Military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy February 5, 2010 WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s recent call to end the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy: “The Obama Administration’s took an important step by calling for an end to the failed ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, and I want to thank Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin for holding a hearing on this issue last week. I was pleased to see the Secretary of Defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff testify before Congress in favor of abolishing this unjust policy. It's impossible to overestimate the significance of Adm. Michael G. Mullen's simple but eloquent words: ‘I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens.’ Rep. McDermott Introduces the Emergency Jobs Program and Assistance for Families Extension Act February 2, 2010 WASHINGTON, DC—Today Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced legislation to extend and expand an existing program to incentivize job creation and aid struggling families with children. As part of the Recovery Act, Congress created an Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF) to help States with increasing expenditures on cash assistance for families in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; short-term, one-time aid for needy families; and subsidized employment programs that temporarily pay for the wages of a worker in a public or private job. States across the country have taken advantage of these funds in a variety of ways. Rep. Jim McDermott’s Statement on the President’s State of the Union Address January 27, 2010 Tonight, Jim McDermott issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address:
Rep. McDermott Introduces Resolution Urging Senate to Amend Filibuster Rules January 19, 2010 25 Members sign on as original co-sponsors to resolution that asks Senate to stop filibuster from preventing votes WASHINGTON, DC— Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) today introduced legislation that urges the Senate to amend its rules to ensure that use of the filibuster doesn’t prevent the Senate from voting on legislation or amendments. Rep. McDermott argued that the filibuster gives each individual Senator power far beyond what the framers of the Constitution intended. The resolution has already garnered 25 original co-sponsors and complements legislation that Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) has indicated he will soon introduce. Rep. Jim McDermott’s Statement on the Tragedy in Haiti January 13, 2010 WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) issued the following statement about the earthquake in Haiti: “My thoughts and prayers are with the staggering number of people who have lost loved ones and homes in the devastating tragedy in Haiti. When I visited the country last year, I witnessed some of the most extensive abject poverty I have seen in the Americas. While any nation would struggle to recover from such unimaginable destruction, Haiti will no doubt face even greater challenges to rebuild. I was heartened to hear President Obama pledge unwavering support, and I urge Americans to help in whatever way they can. I know that the generous people of Seattle will do their part as they always do, and I am already amazed at the number of people who have contacted me to find out how they can help. Now more than ever, Haiti needs the support of our global community.” To find out more about how you can help, visit the Partners in Health website at http://pih.org/home.html. To find out up-to-date information, visit the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake The State Department Operations Center has also set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747.
Rep. McDermott Cosponsors Bill to Tax Wall Street Bonuses January 14, 2010 WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) announced he was cosponsoring legislation that would tax excessive bonuses of executives at Wall Street firms that received Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds last year. The Wall Street Bonus Tax Act would place a 50 percent tax on bonuses of $50,000 or more, the revenue from which would be directed to a lending program for small businesses. Rep. McDermott Thanks Labor Department for Green Job Grant Funding for Seattle January 7, 2010 WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) thanked the Labor Department and Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis for awarding significant federal grant funding to Seattle and other cities in Washington for green jobs training. In King County, the funding will benefit the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council and H-CAP, Inc., and a grant to the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership will help other parts of the state. These Energy Training Partnership grants total approximately $13.4 million for Washington and will provide training to workers in Seattle and throughout the state.
Rep. McDermott Announces Federal Dollars Slated for Seattle January 13, 2010 WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) announced he helped secure several earmarks that will benefit the city of Seattle, including nearly $500,000 for an analysis of the Elliot Bay Seawall, $1.1 million for Puget Sound Community Health Centers, and $600,000 for West Seattle Rapid Ride and Hybrid Bus Program. “These earmarks are for their true purpose: to direct federal dollars to valuable and necessary public projects,” Rep McDermott said. “This money will help Seattle build more affordable housing, bolster renewable energy research, and give countless students a head start in school.” Rep. McDermott Hails Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s First Flight December 15, 2009 WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) issued the following statement congratulating Boeing on a successful first flight of its new plane, the 787 Dreamliner: “Today I want to congratulate Boeing for doing such a remarkable job with the 787 Dreamliner. Seattle is a center for world-leading technology and product breakthroughs, and we have the best workers in the world at Boeing. Boeing’s dedicated workforce—from the engineers who designed the Dreamliner to the workers who put it together—deserve our thanks and congratulations for making such a groundbreaking airplane. I am so proud that Seattle played such an important role in making the Dreamliner a reality.
December 3, 2009 Without extension, more than one million Americans set to lose unemployment assistance in January WASHINGTON, DC— Yesterday, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced the Helping Unemployed Workers Act (HR 4183) which would extend emergency unemployment compensation through March 2011. The program is set to expire at the end of the year and without an extension, roughly one million Americans will lose their emergency benefits in January 2010. The bill would also continue other unemployment provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, such as the inclusion of an additional $25 per week in every benefit check. The unemployment rate rose in October to 10.2 percent and many economists are still predicting increases in 2010. Rep. Jim McDermott Praises GAO Decision to Reevaluate Move of NOAA Station from Seattle to Newport, OR December 2, 2009 WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) lauded the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for upholding an appeal from the Port of Bellingham to evaluate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) decision to move its Marine Operations Center-Pacific from Seattle to Newport, Oregon. “The GAO did the right thing in upholding this appeal,” McDermott said. Rep. McDermott Votes No on “Weak” Estate Tax Legislation December 3, 2009 Congressman says bill didn’t get adequate debate, does too little WASHINGTON, DC—Earlier today, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) voted “no” on the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009 (HR 4154). “I voted no because I can’t see why we would make such an important and permanent decision without the benefit of proper hearings,” Rep. McDermott said. “We needed to have had a broader discussion on fiscal policy in our country before voting on this.” Rep. Jim McDermott’s Statement on the President’s Speech on Afghanistan December 2, 2009 “The President’s speech tonight did not convince me that his policy is worth supporting. Last week, I attended a memorial service for seven servicemen from the same striker brigade from Fort Lewis who were killed on the same day in Afghanistan. I will not vote to send another troop to Afghanistan until I’m convinced that this strategy will succeed. “No matter how many troops we commit, the United States cannot bring about the change necessary to stabilize Afghanistan. This responsibility ultimately falls on the Afghani government and its people, and no outsider can force this change to occur.
Progressive Caucus Selects Members for Health Care Reform Leadership Team Reps. Jim McDermott, Donna Edwards, Jerrold Nadler, and Sheila Jackson-Lee
May 21, 2009 The 80-Member Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) last night selected four of its Members to represent the CPC with House Leadership and help draft comprehensive health care reform legislation. They have recommended U.S. Representatives Dr. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Donna Edwards (D-MD), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX). The action came a few hours after the CPC met with the Speaker and Majority Leader of the House and key Committee Chairmen to underscore the need for health care legislation to include a robust public option provision. The importance of that provision was underscored in a follow-up letter sent to the Speaker today, which said in part: “…we look forward to working together in coming days and weeks to ensure that a robust public option that we can all be proud to support is included in the bill ultimately enacted and sent to President Obama for his signature.” A Real Health Care Solution March 10, 2009 Mr. Speaker: For the first time in at least 15 years we have a real chance to solve America’s health care crisis. The stars are aligning in ways not seen before. The American people want a solution; American businesses need a solution to stay competitive and retain their best employees; segments of the health care industry itself, such as doctors, want a solution; and the President and Congress have begun a national dialogue. Yet, despite all these positive signs, we must not make the mistake of believing a solution is at hand, or that one will come easily. As a nation we stand at a crossroads: either sweeping reform or sweeping this crisis under the rug yet again. We have to translate this national dialogue into legislation that makes access to affordable health care coverage what it must be in a free and Democratic society – a right and not a privilege.
Three Cups of Tea Mr. Speaker: I’ve just returned from an official congressional delegation trip to Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a lot to reflect on after a trip like this, especially the wisdom in a book entitled Three Cups of Tea. It relates to our military involvement – and misjudgments- first in Iraq and potentially now in Afghanistan. Before I go any further, let me say that we cannot do enough to recognize and honor our soldiers, and their bravery, dedication and love of country. For a few brief moments, we got a taste of what you endure every day. Every Member on the Codel was equipped with body armor and flack jackets, and you quickly realize the dangers and stress our soldiers endure every day. We owe them our gratitude, our support when they return and the confidence in knowing that our government will only place them in harm’s way as a last resort. We failed that responsibility in Iraq and many are asking whether we may fail again in Afghanistan. We are the most powerful nation on earth but our bullets and bombs cannot penetrate the corridors of history. And the book, Three Cups of Tea, provides a powerful reminder that we must silence the guns if we are to hear the voices of truth coming from history.
HR 2, Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act January 14, 2009 Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support for the CHIP reauthorization legislation and thank Speaker Pelosi for her leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. HR 2 clearly says that change has arrived for our country and our children. Instead of the veto pen that was used last year by the outgoing president to deny health care to children, our new president will sign this legislation and in so doing begin to write a new chapter in America’s commitment to our children and our future. HR 2 is a real down payment on our efforts to ensure universal access to affordable health care for all Americans. It builds on successful models that have expanded access to millions of children nation wide. Health care should be a right not a privilege for the rich in America.
September 26, 2008 - Privatizing Social Security
Rep. McDermott Honors Play about Murder of Matthew Shepard Laramie Project: 10 Years Later Resolution Introduced Today Rep. Jim McDermott introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives today to honor The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, a play written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project about the reaction to the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was targeted due to his sexual orientation. The critically acclaimed original play was based on hundreds of interviews conducted by the theatre company with inhabitants of the town, company members' own journal entries and published news reports. Ten years later, the playwright and members of the theater group returned to Laramie to conduct follow-up interviews with residents featured in the play. Those interviews were turned into a companion piece, entitled The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. Rep. McDermott Leads on Salmon Solutions and Planning Act August 4, 2009 Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), joined by 23 other Members, introduced the Salmon Solutions and Planning Act just before Congress adjourned for the August district work period. “The extinction of several species of salmon is not theoretical,” Rep. McDermott said. “Within the next 10 years, several species of Snake River salmon are expected to disappear forever unless we act now to restore and protect salmon and steelhead across the Pacific Northwest.” Rep. McDermott Introduces Legislation to Extend Unemployment Benefits July 30, 2009 Beginning in September, hundreds of thousands of Americans will begin to exhaust their unemployment benefits every month unless Congress acts, and today Rep. Jim McDermott, chairman of the Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee, did just that. McDermott, whose subcommittee oversees the nation’s UI system, introduced legislation today, H.R. 3404, to extend UI benefits. It builds upon prior legislation by McDermott that was overwhelmingly passed on a bipartisan basis last year in response to the national economic crisis. Rep. McDermott Home Visitation Bill Incorporated into Historic Health Care Legislation July 17, 2009 Chairman Rangel’s Health Care Mark Includes Domestic Partner Benefits Bill July 17, 2009 Rep. Jim McDermott announced this evening that House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel included McDermott’s domestic partners legislation (Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act, HR 2625), as a provision in the chairman’s mark of health care legislation before the full committee today and tonight. Rep. McDermott Introduces Legislation to Correct Injustice Against Philippine Community in Seattle June 25, 2009 Rep. Jim McDermott today introduced the Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act, HR 3038, to correct an injustice against Philippine workers at a Seattle fish processing plant over a quarter century ago. McDermott Amendment Would Identify Conflict Zone Mines June 25, 2009 Rep. Jim McDermott today introduced and the House passed his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010 to address the mining of Coltan (columbite), a rare mineral used in virtually every cell phone, from conflict areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC.
Rep. McDermott Introduces Poverty Measure Legislation June 17, 2009 Rep. Jim McDermott, chairman of the Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee, introduced legislation today that would update the way poverty is measured in the United States for the first time in half a century. A copy of the legislation and an overview of its provisions are attached.
House Passes Protecting Incentives for the Adoption of Children with Special Needs Act Chairman McDermott Manages Debate April 29, 2009 “The bipartisan bill eliminates a restriction that was inadvertently placed in the adoption incentive program by the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009.” Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman, managed House floor responsibility today for the passage of S. 735, the Protecting Incentives for the Adoption of Children with Special Needs Act of 2009. The bill, which passed today in the House on the Suspension Calendar, removes a restriction that was mistakenly added in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 that would have reduced the amount of funding received by States that are able to increase the number of children adopted out of foster care. Mr. McDermott’s remarks: Mr. Speaker, last fall Congress passed bipartisan legislation that provided broad improvements to our nation’s child welfare system. The landmark legislation represented the most significant reform in the child welfare system in over a decade. Amendment to Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights that Would Cap Credit Card Interest Rates At 18 Percent April 28, 2009 Washington, DC -- Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT), Congressman John Tierney (D-MA), and Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) today announced that they will offer an amendment to the Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights bill in the House this week that would cap interest rates on all credit cards at 18 percent. The House members will take their amendment to the House Rules Committee on Wednesday for procedural approval. They then intend to bring their amendment to the House floor for debate and a vote on Thursday when the chamber is expected to take up the Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights and any relevant amendments. "In the midst of such great economic peril, more and more Americans are being forced to use credit cards to pay for groceries, health care, gas, and other necessities. Credit card companies are exploiting the dire economic situation by increasing rates to exorbitant levels, which further compounds the financial woes of many Americans and drives them deeper into debt where they become even more beholden to the credit card companies and their abusive practices," Hinchey said. "Enough is enough when it comes to skyrocketing credit card rates. This amendment will help end the credit card trap and provide Americans with the comfort of knowing their credit card rates won't soar to eye-popping levels while still providing credit card companies with large enough margins to enjoy a profit." Rep. McDermott Introduces Breakthrough Legislation on Climate Change March 24, 2009 Under McDermott’s bill, HR 1683, producers of products and resources that emit greenhouse gases would be required to purchase a Federal Emission Permit. The permits would be available in an increasingly limited supply and the price for a permit would be established by the Secretary of the Treasury and periodically calibrated to ensure that demand for the permits does not exceed an annual, national allocation. Simply put, McDermott’s legislation would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid creation of a carbon derivatives market that could turn a potential energy solution into energy market chaos. A copy of the legislation is attached.
Rep. McDermott Introduces Universal Health Care Legislation February 12, 2009 Re-affirming his commitment to providing every American with access to affordable health care coverage, Rep. Jim McDermott today introduced HR 1200, the American Health Security Act. McDermott’s legislation would ensure that every American receives a minimum set of basic health benefits, publically funded but privately delivered and managed. Read More > America Economic Recovery Legislation Includes $45 Billion From Rep. McDermott’s Subcommittee Earlier this afternoon, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) introduced H.R. 598, legislation including components of the economic recovery bill under the Jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), chairman of the Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee joined Chairman Rangel as an original co-sponsor of this crucial legislation. “This recovery package will help restore confidence for American families and businesses and grow the economy so that we can recover from the current downturn,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY). “We will provide relief directly to families who are hurting, helping those who have lost their jobs and their health care to rebuild and recover their lives. We have also crafted a targeted package of benefits to businesses large and small to jumpstart investments in new technology and new jobs to help our economy turn around.” Rep. McDermott Introduces Unemployment Insurance Reform and Stimulus Initiative January 8, 2009 “Today, millions of hard-working Americans who lost their job during this economic crisis face a second crisis when they try to obtain their unemployment insurance compensation and discover that they do not qualify because the system that was created in the economic reality of 1935 is unable to match the needs of the labor market of the 21st century,” Rep. McDermott said. McDermott explained that 1935’s America relied largely on full-time, male workers, yet America’s 21st Century economy relies upon millions of part-time workers, which are disproportionately women. McDermott said: “Low-wage and part-time workers often fall through the cracks of the UI system, and the impact is particularly hard on families that rely on the income of a low-wage worker or a mother’s part-time job. Low-wage and part-time workers, who contribute to the unemployment insurance system, are a larger portion of the workforce than they used to be, yet they are half as likely to qualify for unemployment benefits as other workers.” The Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act would make $7 billion available from the federal Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to state governments in exchange for modest reforms to their unemployment insurance programs. These reforms would enable more low-wage and part-time workers to qualify for the unemployment insurance compensation they earned. The unemployment insurance program is a joint, federal-state program that is administered by state governments. Jim's Bills Official Letters THOMAS Jim's Subcommittee Ways and Means Committee How Jim voted this week
We are watching the planning of the AF-PAK strategy and I feel more and more uneasy. I have many contacts in Central and South Asia and the Middle East but none who I think understands more than Col. Khan. He was among the very first handful of people who went into Afghanistan after 9-11. He is Pakistani-American who speaks both Pashtu and Urdu so he can talk to the folks on the ground.. He resigned from his beloved Marine Corps because of his distress with the planning and execution of the war. His is an important voice to hear as we plan the American future in AF-PAK. -jim AFPAK Underlying Issues – Not Addressed Lt. Col Asad Khan, USMC (Ret.) 28 October 2009
While events in Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to unravel, there is a great on-going national debate on what should our new strategy be – should we increase the number of troops, should we secure the population centers only, who will win the elections, what is the end state, how long will the American public continue to support a seemingly losing proposition, is the military option the right solution, do our military leaders know what they are doing, do we have a strategy and what are the enemies strategies. Amongst the ongoing debate, there are underlying issues that have not made it into this very important discussion: 1. Saving the Next Generation. 2. Regional Pressure Points. 3. Unity of Effort – Who is in charge? 4. Strategic Success depends on execution.
Saving the Next Generation – A Strategy for Madrassas – All madrassas are not bad, but we need to make sure that they are ALL good. By some estimates, there are approximately 20,000 madrassas (religious schools) operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan – providing education to over 2 million students. Let’s conservatively assume that only 20 percent of these madrassas preach intolerance – that is a significant source or recruits – while the remaining may not believe in intolerance, but they certainly become a source of indirect support. Over the last eight years, our focus has been on providing aid to primarily secular schools which model their education on western school systems. This is the wrong approach; ignoring the madrassas is not going to make them go away. In 2001, when I first recommended this as a central pillar to our strategy, we estimated that there were 10,000 madrassas, over the last eight years, the numbers have doubled. At the end of the day, this is an ideological fight; so we need to focus our efforts on the madrassas to connect with the next generation. We will never bomb an ideology into submission; we need to compete with better ideas. How can we compete amongst the 20,000 madrassas? Simply put, if the mullah’s offer the Harvard version of madrassas, then with all our resources, we should be able to offer the Yale and Princeton alternatives. If they have a two room madrassa, we should provide one with four rooms. If they give two meals a day, we should give not only three meals a day but also provide a snack. If they provide paper and pen, then we should provide a laptop with free internet access – to the world. The point being is that we need to be able to compete / partner with the madrassas – not shy away from them. While teaching the Quran and Islamic studies is central to the madrassas, nothing says that we cannot also teach science and math – if we go back in Islamic history to the 8th Century, Islamic scholars and scientists made many contributions which to this day play a significant role in our daily lives (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Golden_Age). The bottom line is this, if we don’t address how to deal with the madrassas, any strategy or troop surge will ultimately fail because the enemy will continue to have an endless supply of recruits. I hear the generals when they say we need to protect the population – I get it; but, how about if we first save the children from being inculcated with an ideology of intolerance, hatred and a warped rationale for violence? Regional Pressure Points – There are many underlying regional issues which fuel the rallying cry for the enemy. Two pressure points around which the main street galvanizes around are Kashmir and Israel / Palestine. We need to make these central to our strategy – we cannot ignore them. The longer these issues fester, the greater the chance that any strategy we choose will fail. These issues reflexively bring out much emotion – not only in the US but also in the region. Many will lead you to believe that these issues do not play a significant role in what is going on in Afghanistan and Pakistan (and Iraq). They are dead wrong – listen to the enemy propaganda. These festering issues create the impression that the US has a double standard – in only cherry picking those issues that suit our interests while ignoring others which have been perceived as a source of oppression for Muslims for over five decades. Like it or not, at the end of the day, our strategy has to include a component that seeks to aggressively solve these issues in a manner that is fair to all parties – there are no easy answers, but the consequences are greater than the issues themselves and must be resolved. This will require active US leadership and participation. The previous administration chose to ignore these regional pressure points while the current administration came in with great promise of change – appointing envoys; but to date, results have been lacking. As a result, the US is rapidly losing credibility and if we miss the boat in addressing these core issues, I am afraid, success in Afghanistan and Pakistan is not going to be achieved regardless of the number of troops we put in or the billions that we spend. Unity of Effort - Can anyone articulate who is actually responsible for developing the AFPAK Strategy and its execution? Is it Holbrooke, Eikenberry, Patterson, Petraeus or McChyrstal? Back in 2001 – 2002, we made a critical error by putting in three major commands in Afghanistan: CFC-A, CJTF and ISAF. We failed to recognize the importance of Pakistan and relegated military to military contact through a CENTCOM Liaison Cell (which I was part of). The consequence of this decision was lack of coordination (UBL and others slipped away) and serious mistrust between the Coalition and the Pakistan Military. To date we have not really solved this issue resulting in a very narrow Afghan centric approach to a much wider problem. All planning begins with command and control. We not only need to sort out who really is in charge at the strategic and operational levels of AFPAK but also look at the gaps at the tactical level, especially in the border areas. The border area on both sides of the Afghan and Pakistan border should be treated as one separate Area of Operations (AO). This AO has unique challenges which the rest of Afghanistan and Pakistan don't necessarily have. By treating the border area as parts of greater Afghanistan and Pakistan, our activities and results are not synchronized. For example, USAID in Afghanistan builds a school on the Afghan side, the population from the Pakistan side crosses over. Similarly USAID on the Pakistan side builds a clinic then the population from the Afghan side crosses over. This increases cross-border movement. Massive aid and development needs to be focused on the border region - more than the rest of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This aid should not be funneled through traditional means. It should be through the tribal and village elders and not through multinationals and consultants who walk away with vast profits while the people, for whom the aid was meant, get driblets. Incredibly, just twenty percent of our tax-payers aid gets to the people of Afghanistan; the remaining 80 percent leaves the country. No wonder the last eight years have been wasted. The question is what will the next eight years bring. Strategic Success Depends on Execution - Once all the debates, PowerPoint briefs and NSC papers are written, the new strategy must be converted into a plan, resourced and then executed. Execution requires the right people; otherwise, the best written plans will fail – the dustbins of history are full of well written plans – poorly executed. It is imperative that we get people who know what they are doing, understand the culture and are willing to invest the next ten years of their lives in the region. One year assignments are not going to solve the problem. This region is a lot deeper than the military reading list or a conference on COIN. Unfortunately, we lost the last eight years and failed to develop the right caliber of military and civilian talent who understand and can successfully execute in this complex region. We need to go out and find these people and put them to work – now. How many first generation South Asians and American Muslims have we recruited? They better understand the dynamics and the nuances. America has millions of them – get them in the game. In my experience, they are a force multiplier and can help us navigate through the shark infested waters.
Afghanistan – Ideas From The Outside LtCol Asad Khan, USMC (Ret.) October 2009
While there is an on-going debate on Afghanistan and the need for more troops (or not), it is imperative that we look at other options which are critical for the long term solutions – troops by themselves will not succeed. These observations came about from a recent journey along the Ring Road and discussions with local Afghans (outside Kabul) – where the perspective is far different than Kabul, DC or a FOB. RING ROAD: The Ring Road and other major routes are key to determining the future of Afghanistan. Recently, I travelled the Ring Road and it was evident that this artery is the strategic boundary between the opposing sides. The Ring Road, peppered with mine craters was still busy with buses, trucks and private cars bravely navigating the dangers to get to their destination. I noticed limited ANA and ANP presence patrols along the route providing over watch to a convoy of over a thousand tractor trailers heading south from Kabul. Keeping it open is vital to the economy. We cannot secure all of Afghanistan, it is militarily impossible. Therefore, Coalition Forces with ANA / ANP / APPF and Private Security Companies should secure the Ring Road and other major routes along with surrounding population centers. This will increase commerce and economic opportunity for the locals. Once the security for the major commerce arteries is established, the focus should then be to expand outward towards the borders and inwards to the Central Provinces. While the focus is on the major arteries, special operations / strike forces can operate in other areas to disrupt the enemy and engage high value targets. CALL TO ACTION: Recruit successful International businessmen to help grow the Afghan Economy by mentoring existing businesses and providing business executive education classes focusing on entrepreneurship, financial management, business development and corporate compliance. If Afghan companies join this mentorship program they would be eligible to compete for USG contracts and Afghan Small Business Loans. TRADE & INVESTMENT MISSIONS: Encourage American and European Companies to partake in such missions to Afghanistan. There is no point in holding conferences in Dubai or DC to which an average Afghan has no access. We need to go where we are most effective. Recently there was a major COIN conference held in DC where they talked about Afghanistan. What better place to hold it than Afghanistan -- and invite the locals and ask them how to defeat the insurgency. AFGHAN FIRST INITIATIVE: This can’t be a bumper sticker – we need to implement this now! For the past eight years international companies have made huge profits from the aid money. Nearly 80 percent of all aid money never stays in Afghanistan. This frustrates the Afghans when they see the “expats” getting higher salaries and standard of living from the aid money meant for the Afghan people. We need to stop breast feeding the Afghan people. They are very industrious and can figure out how to do things much quicker. In fact most of the hands on construction is done by Afghans while international companies provide the managerial oversight and drawing the high salaries and profits. By allowing the Afghans to do the work directly we will get more bang for the buck and create greater economic stimulus. CONTRACTUAL OBSTACLES: US Government Contractual Regulations are too cumbersome and not effective in an environment where the illiteracy rate is 90%. We need to streamline these to the important task at hand – sending out request for proposals where the first 60 pages cover the Federal Acquisition Regulation is absurd - Afghans can’t digest it. For that matter, most educated people can’t either. One can make the point that these are designed to ensure compliance and minimize corruption. If so, we failed in Iraq and are failing in Afghanistan. We need rules that allow people to make decisions, ensure local compliance and help the Afghan contractors succeed – not navigate failure. MORE CIVIL CONSTRUCTION: The general perception by the locals is that all we are doing is pouring the aid money into military FOBs and Facilities at the expense of the people. Driving around Afghanistan, one can see why. We need to turn the equation around and focus more on the people’s need – not the ANA / ANP or our FOBs – which provide the comforts and meals of back home (combat is not meant to be comfortable). FOCUS ON GOVERNANCE: Right now the perception is that the Taliban are actually protecting the people from corrupt government officials, ANA and ANP – and in some cases the Coalition Forces. The notion that we are protecting the people is miscued as many believe that the coalition forces are now protecting the people from their own missteps – while corruption rules the day. We need to change this by holding those we fund accountable to a higher standard than the Taliban. We have no option but to earn back the trust of the people. Afghanistan, like many countries in the region, has an endemic corruption problem which has become part of its cultural fiber. Afghans by themselves cannot succeed in fighting corruption. This will require outside intervention from us - whereby we hold officials accountable because we pay them and they are misusing our money. NATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY: A National Accountability Bureau should be established under international supervision and authority to investigate allegations of corruption against government, military and police officials. Those found to be corrupt or misusing their authority should be held accountable. DRUG TESTING: A large portion of the ANA and ANP are using drugs. This needs to be stopped through vigilant drug testing programs similar to the one that the US military has. There have been reports of coalition troops trading military equipment for drugs (like the Soviet troops used to do) – we should implement an aggressive drug testing program for coalition troops in Afghanistan as well – after all 90% of the world’s heroin supply comes from there. TALIBAN PAYS MORE: Despite the recent pay increase to ANA and ANP, an Afghan can make more money by joining the Taliban through direct pay and Zakat – plus he stays in his local area so the Taliban does not have an AWOL or a morale problem. REGIONAL REGIMENTS: The ANA is generally not well received by the locals – especially in the South if it has Tajiks and Uzbek soldiers. Aside from the corruption and drug issues, the locals don’t like other ethnic groups coming into their homes. In trying to make the ANA ethnically balanced we have created public animosity and a rally cry for the Taliban. We should follow the British Raj model and have Provincial / Regional Regiments consisting of troops from the region where they serve. CONTINUING EDUCATION: Afghanistan is severely lacking college seats for the young and upcoming Afghans. We need to fund / encourage universities from the US / Europe and neighboring countries to open satellite campuses. These need to be established in all the major cities. We can’t afford to lose another generation. Similarly, we need to fund scholarship programs for worthy Afghan men and women within Afghanistan and overseas. MICRO AIRPORTS: In the 1960s, Pakistan could not afford modern infrastructure and roads into remote regions. So to open up the country, they built micro airports – 3000 foot runway and a tower to allow small propeller passenger airplanes to land and take passengers to larger international airports. This allowed labor to go to the Middle East and work. In return they sent foreign exchange back home which created a demand for goods and services and subsequently generated revenue for the government to build roads and other infrastructure. Same needs to be done in Afghanistan. A country of its size and remoteness cannot function with only seven airports; each province needs a small airport linking it to Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar and Herat. These airports can be built for approximately $5 million a piece. This entire program would be approx $150 million and would open up the country, linking the provinces to the central government and allowing the people to participate in a broader economy. AFPAK: The path to success in Afghanistan is through Pakistan. The two are inseparable given the nearly 40 million Pashtuns between the two nations – and their common history, language and culture. For the past eight years we failed to link the two while allowing the blame game to take over broader strategic interests. We need to stop this childish blame game about who should control the border and who is training whose Taliban. Both should control the border and Taliban are entrenched on both sides. We need to look for quick solutions targeting the border areas and the tribes on both sides (not long drawn out USAID Programs that take years to materialize and make a difference). We should consider the border area as a separate area of operations where by military, law enforcement, civil and commercial actions are coordinate – as one – on both sides. CLOSING THOUGHTS: At the end of the day, the Afghan people must want it more than we do – for them. They must tackle the hard issues and want to improve their lives and institutions – rather than accept the status quo and addiction to aid money as a panacea to their problems. As much as the World wants to help Afghanistan, we need to do so in a manner that allows the Afghans to get back on their feet rather than continue to become dependent on foreign aid. In the last eight years we have made progress which is clearly evident along the Ring Road and the flow of commerce – however the recent reemergence of the Taliban has primarily been due to the people outside of Kabul losing faith in their government officials to protect them – to the contrary, the people have become victims of the corrupt government, military and police officials. The notion of servitude and respect for the population does not exist. Government officials have very little regard for the general public – the ANA and ANP treat the people with little dignity or respect. Affluent Afghans have embraced a VIP culture of Land Cruisers and Kalashnikovs – whereby they operate above the norms of society further alienating the population. This fragmentation has allowed the Taliban to fill the vacuum by creating shadow governments in the provinces and districts - they are more responsive to the needs of the people while also providing the illusion of protection. The question is, can the Afghans, on their own, turn things around or does it require a greater role on our part. My assessment is that we need to first address the core issues without which no matter how many troops we put in country – as long as the population is alienated, we will not succeed. Therefore, we need to intervene where the Afghan Government has failed – to police its own. Although we must respect the Afghanistan’s sovereignty, we must also understand its failures, lack of institutions and credible leadership to succeed. The respect for sovereignty should not be a cover for allowing rampant corruption, lack of accountability and lack of respect for the Afghan people by the custodians of the nation – who to succeed must earn back the trust of the people from the Taliban.
Asad Khan is a retired United States Marine Corps officer with over 25 years of experience in South Asia and the Middle East. He was a Foreign Area Officer, and he has fought twice in Afghanistan in 2001 and 2004. In 2004, he commanded 1st Battalion 6th Marines during sustained combat operations in central Afghanistan. He authored Genghis-6 about his experiences in Afghanistan from 2001-2004, and he continues to work in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan in various capacities.
Friends, We are at an unprecedented phase in reforming our health care system. We are poised to make changes to a system that has not been modified in substantial form for nearly a generation. We will soon have a bill that makes changes to our health care system to guarantee coverage to all individuals and to align incentives for providers to promote quality of care for patients rather than simply rewarding providers for the quantity of care provided. This blog is my attempt to loop in my constituents to certain policy issues that touch and inform the health reform debate. I seek to provide thoughtful commentary on issues of interest that affect this discussion that we are having here inside the Beltway. I invite you to send along your thoughts and comments to mcdermotthealthcare@mail.house.gov . I hope that you find this blog helpful and that you will visit often. -Jim November 20, 2009 November 4, 2009 October 13, 2009
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