Boehner:
Our fight in Afghanistan is critical to the security interests of the American people, and I support the President’s strategy to dismantle al Qaeda and other transnational terrorist networks and stabilize the country. I appreciate General David McKiernan’s service as Commander of both our U.S. forces and NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, especially his role in streamlining the chain of command in Afghanistan and in bringing more focus to the security environment in southern Afghanistan. “I am encouraged by Secretary Gates’ recommendation that the President nominate Lt. General Stanley McChrystal and Lt. General David Rodriguez to the posts of Commander and Deputy Commander. I met Lt. General McChyrstal twice while he was serving as Commander of Joint Special Operations Command, and I believe his knowledge of Afghanistan and the region will strengthen the implementation of our strategy. I encourage the President to nominate Lt. Generals McChyrstal and Rodriguez so the Senate can confirm both of them as soon as possible. “Afghanistan is a tough operating environment, and our military, intelligence, and civilian personnel are doing a tremendous job. House Republicans stand ready to work with the President to ensure our troops and civilians have all the resources and support from Congress they need to complete their mission successfully.”
McHugh:
“First, let me join Secretary Gates in thanking General McKiernan for his selfless service to our nation. During his tenure in Afghanistan, he was instrumental in streamlining the command and control structure to ensure the United States and NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) achieved a greater unity of effort. General McKiernan also rightly brought a greater focus to the fight in southern Afghanistan. “If nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, Lt. General Stanley McChrystal and Lt. General David Rodriguez will form a potent team to lead our efforts in Afghanistan. Both bring extensive experience in implementing successful counterinsurgency campaigns. “With new military and civilian leadership designated to implement the President’s strategy for Afghanistan, Congress now has the responsibility to fully resource these efforts. I hope that Democratic leaders in the House and Senate will embrace these changes without attempting to handicap or stack the deck against Lt. Gen. McChrystal and Lt. Gen. Rodriguez before they even arrive in country.”
