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Recent Press Releases

McConnell: ‘The Situation in Afghanistan is Urgent’

September 30, 2009

‘Now it’s time for Congress to hear General McChrystal’s detailed assessment of the mission that we confirmed him for, and to give him an opportunity to explain why he’s concluded that additional troops are needed to avert failure’

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding the McChrystal Counterinsurgency Plan:

“The situation in Afghanistan is urgent, and we’re told that action is necessary soon. But to better understand the need for action, the American people need to know all the details. And they should have those details explained to them by the man who knows them best.

“It’s hard to deny the urgency of General McChrystal’s assessment, parts of which have already been made public. And it’s impossible to ignore his depiction of a grave and deteriorating situation in the same part of the world where a group terrorists plotted the 9/11 attacks. General McChrystal’s assessment of Afghanistan should worry all of us. As the President told a Turkish audience in April, ‘The world has come too far to let this region backslide, and to let al Qaeda terrorists plot further attacks.’

“Earlier this year, President Obama expressed his confidence in General McChrystal by appointing him to his current post. Following the President’s lead, the Senate expressed its confidence in General McChrystal by confirming him for his current mission without dissent. Now it’s time for Congress to hear his detailed assessment of the mission that we confirmed him for, and to give him an opportunity to explain why he’s concluded that additional troops are needed to avert failure.”

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Tests for Administration’s New Policy on Burma

September 29, 2009

“There remain two significant tests of whether or not Burma’s relationship with the United States has improved to the degree that we should even consider moving away from a policy of sanctions”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks Tuesday regarding the Administration’s Burma policy:

“Early in the Obama administration I encouraged Secretary of State Clinton to make Burma a priority, review our policies toward and relations with Burma, and to see how the U.S. could better achieve its objectives toward the regime. Having reached the end of that review Secretary Clinton has decided to engage the regime in Burma in pursuit of the fundamental goal of a unified, peaceful, prosperous and democratic Burma that respects the human rights of its citizens.

“There remain two significant tests of whether or not Burma’s relationship with the United States has improved to the degree that we should even consider moving away from a policy of sanctions: the release of all political prisoners to include Aung San Suu Kyi, and the conduct of free and fair elections in 2010 that allow for the meaningful participation of opposition and ethnic groups. The United States must also insist that Burma comply with its international obligations and end any prohibited military or proliferation related cooperation with North Korea.”

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McConnell: We Should Listen to General McChrystal’s Advice

September 29, 2009

‘No president decides to commit troops lightly; all such decisions have far-reaching consequences. And that’s why General McChrystal and General Petraeus should also come to Washington to explain to Congress and to the American people how their strategy will work’

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday regarding the McChrystal Counterinsurgency Plan:

“This afternoon we resume consideration of the Defense Appropriations bill, and among our most immediate concerns are the protection of our troops and allies in Afghanistan and the success of our mission there.

“The President’s pick to lead our efforts in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, has made clear that more forces are necessary to accomplish the mission. And while the administration hasn’t yet reacted to General McChrystal’s report, in my view, the President must soon explain to the American people his reasons either for accepting The McChrystal Plan or for taking a different course.

“Timing is important. A failure to act decisively in response to General McChrystal’s strategy, and his anticipated request for additional forces, could serve to undermine some of the good decisions the President has made on national security.

“That said, no president decides to commit troops lightly; all such decisions have far-reaching consequences. And that’s why General McChrystal and General Petraeus should also come to Washington to explain to Congress and to the American people how their strategy will work. A counterinsurgency strategy will require a significant investment in time, troops, and resources. We need an explanation from our generals why that investment is needed.

“The recent disruption of an alleged Al Qaeda plot against America was a reminder to all of us of the seriousness and urgency of our efforts in Afghanistan. There should be no doubt that Al Qaeda remains a serious threat. We cannot allow Al Qaeda to establish a safe haven in the very place where it plotted and planned the 9/11 attacks.

“The Taliban is gaining ground in Afghanistan. And our commanders in the field are in the best position to tell us what is required to complete their mission. General McChrystal says that without adequate resources, we will likely fail. In my view, we should listen to his advice. And hopefully, we’ll be able to get that advice in person in a timely manner.”

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