The Global War on Terrorism

As the father of four sons in the military and a 31-year veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard, I have always been an enthusiastic supporter of our brave men and women in uniform. After our country was attacked on September 11th, 2001, we woke up in a new era where our soldiers are now working throughout the world to prevent additional acts of terrorism against the American people. From Afghanistan to Iraq, U.S. troops risk their lives daily as they face terrorists abroad so that we do not have to face them on the streets of America.

Throughout the past year, we have witnessed a positive change in Iraq. In February 2007, President George W. Bush initiated a “troop surge” under the leadership of General David Petraeus. This new strategy aimed to provide additional security to pave the way for political reconciliation – a goal it has achieved. Since the surge was fully implemented, we have seen United States and Coalition troop deaths, in addition to Iraqi civilian deaths, drop by more than 60 percent. This can all be attributed to the new strategy. The Iraqi people are confident that we will be there when they ask for our help, therefore, they are more willing to lend us advice and intelligence that we would not normally obtain. Moreover, it has created a window of opportunity for Iraq’s civilian leadership to step forward and make necessary political achievement. Despite a slow start, they are beginning to pass the laws and budgets necessary to support this young democracy. I have visited our troops in Iraq nine times and have seen firsthand the amazing turnaround in Al-Anbar province, and I am confident that our current military strategy will continue to bring success.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban and Al Qaeda continue to threaten the stability of that nation. I have visited our troops in Afghanistan five times and was humbled by the dedication shown by fellow South Carolinians assigned to the 218th Enhanced Separate Brigade of the South Carolina National Guard, my former Guard Unit of 28 years, who are currently serving in Afghanistan. Our troops on the ground are working with the Afghan people to help that nation defend itself and root out the terrorists who continue to make threats against our homeland and our allies.

Many Members of Congress with different backgrounds and different constituencies may disagree about the best way to proceed in the Global War on Terrorism. However, our troops’ safety should not be a topic for debate. Now that we have committed our forces, it is Congress’ responsibility to ensure that our troops receive the best resources possible for fulfilling their mission. I am pleased to have cosponsored H.R. 511, which ensures that there is no interruption or restriction of funding for American troops in combat zones. No matter the legislation before me, I will always ensure that our soldiers have the tools and resources they need to do the job we have asked of them.

In April 2008, I had the honor to hear testimony from General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker on an update on Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Both men were extremely candid in their assessment of the situation in Iraq and laid out a framework for the best way forward. General Petraeus suggested a phased drawdown of troops to pre-surge levels by the end of the summer and then a pause to make sure that the gains obtained over the last year do not unravel. He has testified that other areas are currently being looked at as possible spots that could see additional draw downs. The critical ingredient in all of this, to ensure victory, is to follow the advice of the commanders on the ground. For additional information on OIF, please click here.

Our successes in Iraq and Afghanistan are part of a greater effort to promote stability and prosperity in the Middle East and South Asia. The United States is helping democratically-elected governments succeed in these two nations while denying safe havens to terrorists. Al Qaeda maintains that Iraq and Afghanistan are the central fronts of the War on Terror. We now have them on the defensive, because of our persistence to fight them to the end. I am encouraged by these developments, but we must remember that the Global War on Terrorism will be long, and success requires a continued commitment. As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I am dedicated to that goal.

To learn more about progress in the Global War on Terrorism, please visit the Department of Defense’s website. I would also like to encourage you to express your support for our troops by visiting America Supports You, a nationwide program to showcase and communicate American support to the men and women of the Armed Forces.