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Congressman
Paul Ryan
Although we have successfully warded off another domestic terrorist attack since September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda and its allies remain intent on killing innocent people and spreading an ideology of violence and hatred around the world. We must remain vigilant in our defense of freedom and democracy as we face difficult challenges in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on other fronts in the War on Terrorism.
Security Transition in Iraq
In Iraq, the tremendous sacrifices of our troops in implementing the Surge strategy have successfully weakened al-Qaeda, calmed sectarian tensions, and reduced reliance on local militias. Civilian deaths have fallen sharply, and remain at levels not seen since 2004. Iraqi Security Forces, who control operations in 14 of Iraq’s 18 provinces, are also in control of security in all of Iraq’s cities, and they are set to assume operational control of the remaining U.S.-controlled provinces by the end of 2009. Provided these security gains are maintained and the government of Iraq continues to build capacity, major redeployment of U.S. troops out of Iraq should be complete in 2011.
In addition to providing security for millions of Iraqis, the Surge has successfully provided the Government of Iraq with the breathing space necessary for their burgeoning democracy to take root. Last February, the Government of Iraq passed an important milestone with the peaceful conclusion of provincial elections. Unlike previous elections, Sunni voters turned out in large numbers, and participation was estimated at 51% of registered voters. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s Coalition for the State of Law candidates won in nine of Iraq’s 14 provinces, earning sizeable gains against Iranian-backed Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq Party.
These encouraging results show that democracy has a real chance to succeed in Iraq despite Iran’s attempts to increase its influence in the Government of Iraq. As confidence in Prime Minister al-Maliki continues to grow, it is imperative that his administration build on these political successes to form a strong coalition capable of maintaining control of their country during the security transition. It is also essential that Iraqis assume full responsibility for maintaining security in all provinces of their country. In the meantime, we must continue training Iraqis and providing them with logistical support they need so that they can take responsibility for the security of their country, and we can bring our troops home as quickly as possible.
New Challenges in Afghanistan
While we have seen great progress in Iraq, we must stay focused on troubling developments in Afghanistan. Taliban insurgents have fought U.S. and coalition forces to reestablish strongholds across Afghanistan’s frontier and into tribally-administered areas of Pakistan, undermining the Afghan Government and hindering coalition efforts to seal Afghanistan’s porous frontier borders. U.S. commanders are working with the Obama Administration to develop a strategy for quelling the insurgency, hunting down terrorists, and ensuring Afghanistan does not revert to Taliban control.
US and NATO forces face tremendous challenges as spring takes hold in Afghanistan. Warmer weather and melting snow help open up transportation in the country, making it easier for insurgents to mobilize men and materiel against coalition forces. Recent attacks in Kabul and along NATO supply routes in nearby Pakistan are evidence that the insurgents are well-armed, deeply entrenched and anxious to continue their insurgency.
In coordination with a complete strategy review, President Obama recently appointed General Stanley McChrystal as commander of the International Security Assistance Force – Afghanistan. General McChrystal has completed a thorough review of our current strategy in Afghanistan, and has presented his thoughts on how to best increase security in populated areas and near the Afghan-Pakistan border and deny Taliban insurgents the resources Afghanistan’s highly-lucrative opium trade provides. Afghanistan produces about 80% of the world’s heroin from its poppy fields, and much of the proceeds of these drug sales are used to fund the Taliban insurgency.
President Obama is currently evaluating General McChrystal’s report, and Congress expects to review thoroughly any changes in strategy the President may propose. It is my hope that the new strategy in Afghanistan will help provide security and deny resources to the growing insurgency, giving Afghan security forces a chance to finish training with coalition forces and take control of their country. In the meantime, we will continue to work with the Government of Afghanistan and our international partners towards building an Afghanistan that is never again a safe haven for terrorists, is moderate and democratic, is capable of governing its territory and borders, and is respectful of the rights of all its citizens.
The Need for Success
Moving forward in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must bear in mind the consequences of failure. If we give up now, a weakened al-Qaeda would quickly rematerialize in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In Iraq, sectarian and tribal conflicts would reignite and escalate. Iran, a known supporter of terrorist groups including Hezbollah and Hamas, would emerge as the dominant regional power. Afghanistan would likely relapse into a series of bloody power struggles between terrorist-sympathizing Taliban supporters and increasingly powerful drug lords, the same conditions that allowed Afghanistan to become a safe-haven for al-Qaeda terrorists in the first place.
You may be asking yourself – why is this so important? What does all this have to do with me? For our communities, for our families, and for our way of life – the stakes could not be higher. As a father of three young children, I realize the importance of ensuring that Iraq and Afghanistan do not become the new bases for world-wide terrorist operations. In a post-9/11 world, we cannot let up in our fight against radical extremists - those that seek to end our way of life. The safety and security of our nation and the fate of the free world depends on it.
The President’s Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Request
President Obama’s budget requested $533.8 billion for the Department of Defense (DOD), a 4% increase over the previous year’s budget. It also requested an additional $205.9 billion to cover military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through FY2010. I applaud the President’s efforts to budget honestly for the costs of Iraq and Afghanistan, and his commitment to tackle the Pentagon’s bloated and inefficient weapons development and acquisition process. However, I am concerned about the lack of attention given to the rising costs of DOD healthcare, whose accelerating growth rate puts the safety of our troops at risk over the long term.
While there are many ways to streamline the DOD budget, Congress must not forget its promises to our troops, our veterans at home, and the families of all who serve. Our troops overseas must be provided with the tools they need to complete their mission and return to their families as soon and as safely as possible. Further, we must also work to ensure our veterans and the families of all service members receive the care, and services they need in a timely, convenient, and efficient manner.
FY2010 Department of Defense Appropriations
The brave soldiers who are serving our country in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have made tremendous personal sacrifices in order to make the world a safer place. I am grateful to our troops for their service, and I am working to provide them with the equipment they need to achieve their missions safely and effectively and return to their families as soon as possible. Congress must also ensure that the families of these courageous individuals are thanked and cared for while their loved ones are away. On July 30, 2009, the House passed H.R. 3326, the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act, which included $508 billion for the DOD programs. Specifically, the bill contains:
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Military Pay Raise: Provisions were added to provide a 3.4% pay increase to our military, a 0.5% increase over the President’s request.
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Stop-Loss Compensation: Provides $8.3 million in FY2009 to fund additional payments to any service member held on active duty past their enlistment date under a “Stop Loss” order. Affected soldiers can receive up to an additional $500 per month.
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First Class Health Care: Provides $29.9 billion for DOD health care, a 13 percent increase over FY2009. It also includes $500 million for Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other psychological health issues, an increase of $128 million above the President’s request.
In addition, H.R. 3326 provides $129.6 billion for FY2010 operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also includes important policy provisions banning funds from being used to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay until the President presents Congress with an acceptable plan for processing the detainees held there. In addition, the bill reaffirms prohibitions on the use of torture against any detainee in U.S. custody, and prohibits funds from being used to construct permanent bases in Iraq or to exercise control over oil resources in Iraq
H.R. 3326 also made attempts to bring fiscal discipline to certain DOD programs. Specifically, the final bill eliminated funding for the advance procurement of additional F-22 Raptor air superiority fighters, reduced funding for private security contractors, and increased funding for additional investigators in the DOD Inspector General’s office. However, I was disappointed the bill included additional funding for sourcing an unnecessary alternative engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. While there is no doubt these weapons programs are essential to the security of our nation, their out-of-control cost growth is placing serious strain on the ability of DOD to protect our troops and their standard of living.
As Congress works with the Obama Administration to scale down operations in Iraq and refocus our efforts in Afghanistan, I will continue working to provide our troops with the tools, equipment, and supplies they need to complete their mission and return home as soon as possible.
Additional Information.
For more information on the war on terrorism, please refer to the following
web sites:
U.S.
Department of Defense: www.defenselink.mil
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Our Troops - How You Can Help: http://www.americasupportsyou.com/americasupportsyou/help.html
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