Armed Services Committee Member Garamendi Encouraged by Defense Secretary Panetta’s Call for an End to Combat Operations in Afghanistan in 2013

Urges White House to End the Longest War in American History

WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and who represents thousands of servicemembers at Travis Air Force Base, today welcomed word from Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta that U.S. combat troops in Afghanistan could return to the United States in 2013.

"Our brave American servicemembers who are engaged in combat in Afghanistan have selflessly risked everything – many serving four or five tours of duty. It’s time we let them return to their families," Congressman Garamendi said. "We have fought in Afghanistan’s internal civil war on behalf of the corrupt Karzai government for long enough. There is no combat solution to this conflict. I am encouraged by Secretary Panetta’s indication that combat operations will end in 2013, and I urge the administration to make it happen."

Congressman Garamendi has been a leading advocate in Congress for a more responsible Afghanistan policy.

In July of 2011, Garamendi introduced an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act that would have reduced troop levels in Afghanistan to 25,000 by the end of 2012 and saved American taxpayers $20 billion in 2012.

In June of 2011, Garamendi joined an influential group of bipartisan Members of Congress urging "a significant and sizable reduction of U.S. military forces in Afghanistan beginning July 2011."