February 12, 2013
Ranking Member Mark Takano Statement on President Obama’s Proposal of Withdrawing 34,000 Troops from Afghanistan by 2014
Washington DC – Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), the Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement after it was revealed that President Obama plans to announce a drawdown of 34,000 troops from Afghanistan in the State of the Union speech tonight:
“I commend the President for keeping his promise to end the War in Afghanistan and bring 34,000 troops home safely this year. The men and women who serve our nation exemplify bravery and have made enormous sacrifices in the name of freedom.
“As the drawdown begins, we must work diligently to ensure that veterans of the War in Afghanistan are properly taken care of upon their return, not just in the short term, but in the long term as well. When it comes to taking care of our veterans, Congress cannot play games and must do all it can to honor their service.
“As a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the Ranking Member on the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I intend on making sure that our returning troops have proper job training, health benefits, educational training, and economic opportunity so the return to civilian life is as seamless as possible.
“While our nation’s commitment to support our troops is an obligation we all acknowledge, we must establish a plan to take care of all of their needs, now and in the future.”