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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2009   
MEDIA CONTACT:
STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029

STATEMENT BY
CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI
REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON AFGHANISTAN

NOTE:  The following is a
first-person statement from
Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri

“President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to refocus our military might on the very real threat of Al Qaeda and their Taliban allies in Afghanistan which has been allowed to grow over the last six years while we fought an unnecessary war in Iraq.
 
Afghanistan, and the lawless areas along the border with Pakistan, has always been the real front line of the fight against terrorism. 
 
While I remain deeply concerned about this deployment and the additional American casualties that are sure to follow, I was pleased to hear the President clearly define our vital national security interests, identify reachable mission goals, and lay out a reasonable timeline to turn this fight over to the Afghan government.  I pledge my full support for our brave soldiers, and for their families, who await their safe return."