Speaker Ryan, Chairman Thornberry Return from Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Speaker Paul Ryan on a delegation to Afghanistan this week. Chairman Thornberry made the following statement as he and the Speaker concluded their visit:

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Speaker Paul Ryan on a delegation to Afghanistan this week. Chairman Thornberry made the following statement as he and the Speaker concluded their visit:

"After my visit to Kabul, I am more convinced than ever that we have the right team in place to capitalize on the momentum we are starting to see as result of the President's South Asia Strategy. I have high confidence and respect for both Ambassador Bass and General Miller. Their leadership, along with the tireless efforts of our diplomatic and military personnel, are producing results. The positive recent political developments, including the appointment of Ambassador Khalilzad, depend on keeping up our effective military campaign. I continue to believe that reconciliation can lead to a representative political solution and a sustainable U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Our priority must be to continue to provide the necessary support to achieve these ends- it is the only way we can reliably defend America from the dangerous terrorist organizations that continue to operate in Afghanistan."