[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 26, 2011)] [House] [Pages H501-H502] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THE ``RIDE PAST THE WRECKAGE'' IN AFGHANISTAN The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, President Obama gave a stirring speech last night, most of which I agreed with, especially the calls for defense cuts; the investments in innovation, education, and infrastructure; and the elimination of oil company subsidies. But given the sacrifice endured by the American people, I thought Afghanistan got short shrift--a mere two paragraphs. The American Prospect magazine described the State of the Union as a ``ride past the wreckage.'' I think that was because it applies to the State of the Union's treatment of Afghanistan. The fact is that the training of Afghan security forces has been slow and ineffective. The inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction said as much this very week. The Taliban remains a vital force in many pockets of Afghanistan, and the head of the Afghan NGO safety office reports a very precarious security situation. The President was correct when he said that Afghanistan will need to provide better governance, but it's hard to see that happening with President Karzai regularly lashing out at us and, at one point, saying he would choose the Taliban over the United States and the international community. Mr. Speaker, the American people are tired of being talked down to about this war, tired of being told everything is fine and under control, tired of being urged to stay the course, tired of talk about progress that seems to be little more than an illusion. The President reiterated last night that we will begin to bring our troops home in July, but there's plenty of evidence to suggest we're ramping up this war instead of winding it down. Earlier this month, for example, 1,400 additional marine combat forces were deployed, with the possibility of additional mini-surges during the spring, that would push our troop levels in Afghanistan to the 100,000 mark. We're also using heavily armored tanks for the first time, and there are reports that we're considering expanding the war across the border in an unprecedented way, with risky and dangerous special operations ground raids into Pakistan. Does this sound like a war that's drawing to a close? Then in a trip to Afghanistan a few weeks ago, the Vice President suggested to his hosts that the occupation [[Page H502]] could extend beyond 2014. ``We're not leaving if you don't want us to leave,'' he said. He should check out recent polling that indicates the Afghan people's deep skepticism, if not downright hostility, regarding the United States' military presence in their country. Besides, what about what the American people believe? When are we going to respect their point of view? They're the ones paying for this war in blood and treasure, and clear majorities believe that this war has outlived its usefulness and that it's not worth fighting. It is time, Mr. Speaker, to listen to the American people. There is only one sensible and humane solution: That is to bring our troops home and bring them home now. ____________________