WASHINGTON- Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following comments following Secretary of State Clinton's official designation of the Haqqani network as a Foreign Terrorist Organization:

"The Haqqani network has long contributed to instability in Afghanistan and the region, continues to collaborate with al-Qaida, and has the the blood of American troops on their hands. Designating them as a foreign terrorist organization is long overdue. This designation will make it easier for General Allen to keep our forces in Afghanistan, as well as the American people, safe – and enable us to go after jihadist who pose a threat to Afghanistan and U.S. interests. I applaud Secretary Clinton on this important decision."