Velazquez on Afghanistan Privileged Resolution

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding a privileged resolution to end the war in Afghanistan. Below are her remarks.

"I rise in support of this important resolution.

"After ten years, $336 billions dollars spent, 1,500 American lives lost, and thousands maimed, it is time to bring our troops home. Our servicemen and women and their coalition allies have performed valiantly. The United States has done everything possible to provide opportunity for the Afghanistan people, and the chance for a democratic government there to mature and take hold. Afghanistan must now take responsibility for its own destiny.

"The fact of the matter is this --- if now is not the time to leave, then when? Afghanistan has become the longest war in U.S. history with a price tag of $100 billion a year. At a time when we are contemplating cutting services for seniors, educational programs for children, and tuition assistance for working college students, that money could be spent more wisely elsewhere.

"Mr. Speaker, too much of our country’s treasure has gone toward this war. But more importantly, the cost in human life, American and Afghan, has been enormous. As the world’s greatest democracy, what kid of message does this war send to other nations? Do as we say, not as we do?

"It is time to make our actions reflect our words. Get out of Afghanistan now."