Hudson Releases Statement on Afghanistan Strategy

Sen. John McCain is commending President Donald Trump's strategy for Afghanistan and says the president needs to start conducting himself as a "wartime commander in chief." The Arizona Republican says in a statement that while the plan is long overdue, it moves the United States well past the Obama administration's "failed strategy of merely postponing defeat" in Afghanistan. McCain, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, is urging Trump to speak regularly "to the American people, and to those waging this war on their behalf, about why we are fighting, why the additional sacrifices are worth it, and how we will succeed."

McCain says his committee will hold a hearing on Trump's Afghanistan strategy in September.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. R-NC, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, hailed the president's remarks.

"For nearly two decades, America's finest - our brave men and women in uniform-have risked and sacrificed their lives in the global effort to rid the world of radical jihadist terrorism," Tillis said. "While we have made significant progress, we cannot afford Afghanistan to now be turned into a safe haven for ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban. I applaud the President for clearly defining America's objectives in Afghanistan and South Asia, which will help promote peace and stability in the region and ultimately make us safer here at home."

Congressman Robert Pittenger, also a North Carolina Republican, recently returned from a national security trip to the Middle East with House Leadership, working to increase international collaboration in the fight against Islamic jihad and enhance efforts to intercept terrorism financing. "President Trump seeks an enduring outcome as he recognizes the vacuum that will occur with failure," Pittenger said. "With twenty Islamic terrorist groups active in Afghanistan and nuclear arms in Pakistan, a precipitous exit will be dangerous to America. In contrast to the previous Administration, our Generals will be authorized to execute support for the Afghan government and military to win this war."

US Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican who represents North Carolina's 8th District, which includes Fort Bragg, called Trump's speech "powerful."

"The President gave a powerful speech tonight that signals a clear strategy seeking 'an honorable outcome worthy of the sacrifices' made by so many men and women in our military," said Rep. Hudson. "While the Obama administration never had a clear strategy, this President laid one out tonight that will allow our brave men and women in uniform to defeat ISIS, the Taliban and other terrorist groups while enabling Afghan forces to defend their own nation. I will work with President Trump to ensure our military has what they need to complete the mission."