Schiff Spends Memorial Day Recess Visiting Troops in Afghanistan

Congressional Delegation led by Schiff meets with soldiers and high level officials to discuss the war in Afghanistan and Afghan parliamentary reforms

WASHINGTON, DC – During the Congressional Memorial Day Recess, Representative Adam Schiff celebrated Memorial Day by visiting troops on his third trip to Afghanistan. Rep. Schiff enjoyed sharing breakfast with troops from throughout California where he heard about their experiences and concerns.  He is encouraged by the progress being made, but recognizes the long road ahead to improve security and accelerate reconstruction.  Reps. Schiff, Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) and Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) traveled as part of the House Democracy Assistance Commission.  In Afghanistan, they met with high level officials including President Hamid Karzai, the Speaker of the Assembly and Chairs of several Parliamentary committees. 

“Our troops and foreign service officers are doing incredible work under the most difficult circumstances.  I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit them during the Memorial Day Recess which is specifically set aside to honor our courageous and dedicated servicemen and women. I certainly benefited from their insights into the situation by hearing their experiences on the ground,” stated Schiff.

"It is clear from my visits here and in Pakistan that the safe haven which Al-Qaeda and the Taliban enjoy on the Pakistan side of the border is the most serious and enduring threat to progress in Afghanistan and to our security at home.  Much more will have to be done to deal with this continuing danger."
 
The delegation also visited Pakistan, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Congressman Schiff is a co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.