Foreign Policy

"In the face of an ongoing international terrorist threat and economic challenges at home, it is time to shift from a broad counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan to a laser-like focus on combating terrorists wherever they exist," Congressman Garamendi said. "Maintaining 100,000 troops in a country the size of Texas, at a cost of $10 billion a month, is simply not an effective way to fight a global and decentralized enemy, and drains our resources when we need them most."

"The Armed Services Committee voted to continue the war in Afghanistan, the longest war in U.S. history. Because I wholeheartedly support our soldiers and their families, I cannot in good conscience vote to extend a war without an endgame," Garamendi said. "To continue to risk the lives of 100,000 American troops in support of the corrupt Karzai government in Afghanistan’s internal civil war is not in the long-term national interest of the United States."

"President Obama and heroes in the American military and intelligence communities have sent a message to the international terrorist organization Al Qaeda and others who seek to harm American citizens. We have demonstrated the unwavering resolve of the U.S. to pursue international terrorists wherever they may hide and proven the strength of our coordinated efforts to eradicate terrorist networks and bring those who would kill innocent civilians to justice."

"Pro-democratic movements in the Middle East are in the midst of their rendezvous with destiny, but America’s destiny can no longer be linked with the fates of dictators, military juntas, and theocratic regimes. We must develop energy independence; we must Make It In America," said Congressman Garamendi, a former Deputy U.S. Interior Department Secretary. "Energy security is national security. We spend 16 percent of our defense budget patrolling the Straits of Hormuz protecting the flow of oil from the region. That’s more than $100 billion every year. In light of the revolutions and uprisings taking place in the Middle East and the subsequent fuel price spikes, we must wean ourselves off foreign dirty fossil fuels."

"I congratulate the Egyptian people for their resolve, courage, and determination to end a thirty year undemocratic system. President Mubarak’s resignation today is a major step toward democracy, but it does not complete the task. We should encourage the military, which is now in control, to set out a path to achieve free, transparent, and open elections no later than the current September schedule. There must be an immediate end to any and all laws that prevent the development of viable political parties and a process that encourages moderate and progressive parties to emerge. At this moment, 'We are all Egyptians.'"

"Egypt has a proud and rich history as a leader in the Middle East, and the Egyptian people now have an opportunity to once again lead the way – this time toward an open and free democracy," said Congressman Garamendi. "The people of Egypt deserve self-determination, the ability to choose their own leaders. There must be a period of transition before elections can occur, and I urge the government, the military, and opposition factions to respect human rights and renounce violence. America will work with the democratically elected leaders of Egypt to ensure regional stability and security."

Armed Services and Natural Resources are great committees, and I will be fully engaged in the debates and deliberations on the committees that determine how policies are crafted.

"Today the House of Representatives voted to lead our great nation down the wrong path in Afghanistan and Iraq. For at least another year, we will continue to spill brave American blood and spend tens of billions of dollars in the longest war in American history. I do not think a large scale military presence in Afghanistan or Iraq is in the best interests of our economy or national security. I want our troops home."