A House Republican delegation visited Afghanistan, Speaker John Boehner's office said Monday, to assess the country's security situation.
Here's Boehner's statement:
“Since shortly after 9/11,” the Ohio Republican said, “our troops have fought to bring peace and security to Afghanistan and to ensure it can never again be used as a safe haven for terrorists to attack the United States.
"Many Americans have sacrificed to secure these goals, and far too many have made the ultimate sacrifice or suffered life-changing wounds in the past twelve years of fighting. Now, the Afghans are poised to elect a new government for the first time in their history. We must honor the sacrifices of the Americans and Afghans who have given so much to reach this point and continue our work together."
Boehner's group received high level briefings, and was included Education & Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline, R-Minn., Natural Resources Committee Chairman ‘Doc’ Hastings, R-Wash., Ways & Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R- Mich., Tom Latham, R-Iowa, Devin Nunes, R-Calif., Greg Walden, R-Ore., and Steve Womack, R-Ark.
The group met with American troops and Ambassador James B. Cunningham and General Joseph F. Dunford.
According to a statement from Boehner's office, "The delegation sent a strong, unequivocal message that the House of Representatives wants to maintain a right-sized presence in Afghanistan to successfully complete the work that has been done to date, and to honor the sacrifice of thousands of troops and civilians, as well as their families.
"Discussions focused on the impact of the election, the role of American troops going forward, and the continuing economic development of Afghanistan. The visit to Afghanistan is one stop on a trip that focuses on national security, as well as American jobs."