Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of the War in Afghanistan

For Immediate Release: October 7, 2011
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC – Today marks the tenth anniversary of the U.S. war in Afghanistan, the longest war in U.S. history. To date, the Afghan conflict has cost U.S. taxpayers $444 billion. The human sacrifice by U.S. troops has also been tremendous with nearly 1,800 American soldiers killed and an additional 14,000 troops wounded.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement:

"After ten years of war, U.S. forces have crippled the al Qaeda operations that launched the 9-11 attacks, diminished the Taliban, and given the Afghan people a chance to determine their own future. But during that time, so many sacrifices have been made by the 1,796 Americans who have given their lives in service and the thousands more who have endured injury. Another very real cost is that future American taxpayers will be paying for the nearly $450 billion borrowed for this war.

"The people of Afghanistan and their leaders must be prepared to take on the task of providing security, governance, and economic opportunity for their own fellow citizens. I would like to see the 90,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan come home and new Afghan leadership building their own country's future. Ten years is enough -- it is time to end the war in Afghanistan."

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

####