(Washington) - Today Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement on the passage of an amendment introduced by Congressman James McGovern (D-MA), Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) and Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) to ensure President Barack Obama completes the transition to Afghan control of combat operations by the end of 2013 and of all military and security operations by the end of 2014:

"The withdrawal of all our service members from Afghanistan is long overdue. With the War in Iraq closed and over twelve years since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, our troops deserve to come home. While it is my hope that we are able to bring all our brave men and women home from Afghanistan faster than 2014, Congress should be given its constitutional role in authorizing any continued or further operations. I applaud Representatives McGovern, Jones and Smith for offering this amendment and remain committed to ending the war in Afghanistan."

The amendment also calls for a faster withdrawal if possible as well as Congressional approval if the President determines continued deployment is necessary for training and special operations.

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