Miller: Bring all troops home now
By Chad Selweski
The Macomb Daily
Wednesday, June 4, 2014

U.S. Rep. Candice Miller said Tuesday President Obama’s decision to release five high-ranking Taliban figures for one U.S. soldier creates such an uncertain atmosphere for the future that all American troops in Afghanistan should be removed now.

The Harrison Township Republican said she welcomes the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was held in captivity by the Taliban for five years, but she believes the five-for-one trade set a precedent that will put U.S. troops in greater danger.

The pact, bargained in secret without congressional consultation, came just days after the president announced the U.S. will keep nearly 10,000 troops in Afghanistan until 2016. If Obama will not bring home all troops by the end of the year, as was the administration’s previous plan, Miller said a congressional vote on the 10,000-troop extension is called for.

“I believe this plan should be approved through a vote of the people’s representatives in Congress,” said Miller, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

“There is no question that our troops have courageously executed and accomplished their mission. Now it is time to bring them home and end America’s longest war. If the president believes he can negotiate with the Taliban, then he should have the same consideration for the elected representatives of the American people.”

The congresswoman said she was also perturbed by the hero’s welcome granted to the five former Guantanamo Bay prison detainees when they arrived in Qatar on Tuesday. ABC News reported that the five, while they will not be able to travel outside of their temporary home country for one year, will have free reign to travel within Qatar’s borders.

In an earlier statement, Miller, who has repeatedly called for a quick U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, said the president has increased the risk of troops being taken captive by the Taliban through his lopsided deal.

“I have serious reservations about President Obama’s willingness to negotiate with terrorists and believe that his actions – likely illegal – will jeopardize the safety of our troops still serving overseas,” she said.

“With this exchange, the president has just put a price tag on those who have already put themselves in harm’s way for our protection.”