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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Statement of Congressman Pierluisi Regarding the Petition from the Organization Mothers Against War

San Juan, Puerto Rico - “I appreciate the mission of the organization Mothers Against War and the passion of their leader Sonia Santiago, who seek the safe return of our soldiers. Just as I have respect for them and their principles, I have the greatest admiration for our men and women in uniform who honor our nation and Puerto Rico through their service. I share the profound pain felt by Mothers Against War and other citizens every time one of our brave service members is killed or wounded in Afghanistan or any other conflict.

President Obama has made clear that U.S. forces are in Afghanistan to accomplish a mission important to the national security of the United States, and that they will not stay in Afghanistan one day longer than is necessary to accomplish that mission. Recently, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta suggested that American troops could end their combat role in Afghanistan earlier than expected. Like Mothers Against War, I look forward to the day when all of our soldiers return home from Afghanistan, so that we can honor them appropriately for their selfless service.

The plan developed by the Obama Administration, in close consultation with our NATO allies, has entailed the steady reduction of U.S. troops in Afghanistan since 2011. The United States is continuing the process of handing over responsibility to the Afghan government in a deliberate and responsible way. The Obama Administration’s plan calls for U.S. combat troops to be completely withdrawn from Afghanistan by 2014, and Secretary Panetta’s recent testimony raises the possibility that the withdrawal date could be earlier.”

The Resident Commissioner supports the responsible drawdown of U.S. troops, especially those from Puerto Rico, and will evaluate the petition of Mothers Against War in light of that principle, understanding that the organization’s views are deeply-held.