Issue Position: Iraq and Afghanistan

Issue Position

"At a time when America faces grave economic challenges at home, our nation remains embroiled in two wars. While our military bravely accomplishes the missions they are given, it is the responsibility of civilian leaders to adopt a military strategy worthy of their sacrifice. It is long past time we end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and refocus our attention on keeping Americans safe from the global threat of terrorism and al-Qaida."

Congressman Welch:

*Led efforts in Congress to end the Iraq War, consistently voting against funding for a war he opposed from the outset.

*As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, aggressively questioned President Obama's nation-building strategy in Afghanistan -- advocating instead for a narrower mission focused on keeping America safe from terrorism.

*Cosponsored legislation (H.R. 5015) requiring the president to submit to Congress a written plan for the "safe, orderly and expeditious redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan."

*Visited Vermont troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan four times during his first two terms in office and traveled to other key areas, including Israel, the Palestinian territories, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon and Kuwait. Welch also visited deploying Vermont National Guard troops with Senators Leahy and Sanders during training exercises at Indiana's Camp Atterbury.

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