Natalie Gonnella
Six members of the House of Representatives arrived back in the US yesterday following a week-long congressional trip to Afghanistan and several key European allies.
The bipartisan delegation began their travels in Prague, discussing bilateral defense policy with members of the Czech government. They then moved on to Baku, the capitol of Azerbaijan, where they met with President Ilham Aliyev to discuss "regional security as well as ways to strengthen democratic institutions" within the country.
The congressmen then traveled to Afghanistan where they discussed "the security situation and strategy for our ongoing counterinsurgency efforts against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda" with top level military and civilian commanders including General David Petraeus and Ambassador Karl Eikenberry.
Concluding the trip with a stop in Georgia, "the group visited Georgia’s border with Russia, the site of continued dispute between the two nations and met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakasvili."
Chairman of the House Caucuses on Azerbaijan and Georgia Congressman Bill Shuster said of the delegation's visit:
It is important that we have the opportunity to meet with military and civilian commanders as well as our soldiers that put strategy into action...We are entering spring offensive when the fighting in Afghanistan is most intense. We cannot lose sight of how critical our mission in Afghanistan is to our security and we must make sure our commanders have the flexibility to do their jobs and our soldiers the equipment and training necessary to do theirs.
Shuster was joined on the trip by Democrats Chris Murphy and Cedric Richmond, as well as Republican newbies Jon Runyan, Adam Kinzinger and Sean Duffy.
Their first overseas congressional visit, here's a look at what the GOP freshman had to say about their recent travels:
Congressman Jon Runyan commented:
"It was an honor to meet with our troops in the field. They and their families suspend their lives and time to answer the call of our nation and sacrifice themselves for those the world over. There aren’t enough words of appreciation for what they do...As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and as the elected official who represents the premier military facility in my state - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst – this trip on the ground was both invaluable and informative to better understand the needs of our personnel and the progress achieved as well as efforts that require additional attention.
Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a former air force pilot who has himself served several tours in the Middle East, said of the trip:
Over the last few days, I spent time with our men and women who are fighting for the freedom of Afghanistan, and ultimately the security of our nation...Given the difficulties we face, I was impressed with the courage of our soldiers. I remain committed to protecting democracy, and fighting for a free and secure Afghanistan.
Congressman Sean Duffy, who has posted a number of photos from the trip, said of the experience:
There is nothing quite as humbling as getting to visit with our nation’s finest young men and women who are serving on the front lines in harm’s way...The most sobering part of the trip was also a profound reminder that it is our uniformed heroes and their families who make the ultimate sacrifices in the war on terror...I attended a memorial service for the nine Americans killed at Kabul airport last week and, as a Wisconsin Congressman, I was deeply moved and honored to participate in the ‘Angel Flight’of an Appleton native killed in action. Their service and sacrifice represent the very best of American honor and valor.
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