Foreign Affairs Committee Approves additional Afghan funding

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs voted to provide development, economic and security funding to Afghanistan for the next three years. The Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act (H.R. 2446), sponsored by Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Rep. Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), renews a 2002 authorization and will set aside $6.435 billion for 2008-2010.

The bill also includes a requirement that the President to outline a new strategy for reconstruction and security in addition to reporting on performance goals concerning political, economic, development, security and counter-narcotics operations in Afghanistan.

“Nearly five years since the 9-11 attacks, and the subsequent ouster of the Taliban and al-Qaeda from power, the country runs a real risk of falling into the hands of the Taliban again," Lantos said. "We cannot - and will not - let this happen. We have come too far in our efforts in Afghanistan simply to stop cold now. The United States has pledged its commitment to Afghanistan's long-term stability and security. This bill is essential, urgent, and - most importantly - represents a fulfillment of that promise.”

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