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June 29, 2010
Joe Pitts
The most fundamental responsibility of anyone entrusted with spending others’ money is to set a budget. Any corporate CFO or charity treasurer who failed in this basic responsibility would be in serious trouble. But that is precisely what Congress is doing right now, for the first time in the history of modern budgeting.
The most fundamental responsibility of anyone entrusted with spending others’ money is to set a budget. Any corporate CFO or charity treasurer who failed in this basic responsibility would be in serious trouble. But that is precisely what Congress is doing right now, for the first time in the history of modern budgeting.
It is true that the House and Senate have failed to agree on budgets before, but never before has the House chosen to skip the process altogether.
Congress is required by law to write a budget every spring: setting spending limits for each area of government, establishing a five-year spending plan, and giving instructions to the powerful Appropriations committees. I served on the House Budget Committee my first two terms in Congress, and we successfully balanced the budget four years in a row. Writing a budget was critical to making that happen.
So why has Congress decided not to write a budget this year? The truth? The numbers would be so shocking to people the Democratic leadership has decided it is better for them politically to just take the hit for not doing their job.
Numbers don’t lie. Trillions of dollars in new spending, combined with a struggling economy, has taken its toll. The price tag is so high Congressional leaders don’t want you to see the numbers. Hence, no budget.
It is true that the House and Senate have failed to agree on budgets before, but never before has the House chosen to skip the process altogether.
Congress is required by law to write a budget every spring: setting spending limits for each area of government, establishing a five-year spending plan, and giving instructions to the powerful Appropriations committees. I served on the House Budget Committee my first two terms in Congress, and we successfully balanced the budget four years in a row. Writing a budget was critical to making that happen.
So why has Congress decided not to write a budget this year? The truth? The numbers would be so shocking to people the Democratic leadership has decided it is better for them politically to just take the hit for not doing their job.
Numbers don’t lie. Trillions of dollars in new spending, combined with a struggling economy, has taken its toll. The price tag is so high Congressional leaders don’t want you to see the numbers. Hence, no budget.
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June 24, 2010
Campaign Staff
As you are no doubt aware, the United State receives the majority of our oil from overseas sources. Unfortunately, we are dependent on volatile regions and despotic regimes for the petroleum that runs our cars. Just a few years ago it appeared that the United States would soon be dependent on foreign nations not only for oil, but also for natural gas.
As you are no doubt aware, the United State receives the majority of our oil from overseas sources. Unfortunately, we are dependent on volatile regions and despotic regimes for the petroleum that runs our cars. Just a few years ago it appeared that the United States would soon be dependent on foreign nations not only for oil, but also for natural gas.
With easily acquired natural gas deposits beginning to run dry, energy companies started to look to foreign liquefied natural gas to make up the difference. Gas prices spiked and there were battles over where to locate new industrial facilities to import gas.
Now, however, the Energy Information Agency predicts that we will decrease the percentage of natural gas imported into the U.S. from 13 percent in 2008 to 6 percent in 2035. That's quite a turnaround, and it will happen because of hard working Pennsylvanians unlocking the Marcellus Shale that runs below much of our state.
By now, you've probably heard about the Marcellus Shale, a layer of rock running thousands of feet below the ground. We've known for years that the shale held natural gas, however, standard drilling only yielded small amounts of this gas.
By combining the decades old hydraulic fracturing process with newer methods of horizontal drilling, energy exploration companies are able to extract shale gas in significant quantities for the first time. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting a water-based mixture into the rock, creating tiny cracks in the shale and releasing gas. The process was first used in Texas to release gas from wells that were considered dry.
A Penn State University estimate shows that there is now enough gas in the Marcellus Shale to supply the entire U.S. for more than 14 years. Obviously, the Shale is not going to be tapped all at once and will not be the sole source of gas in the U.S., meaning that wells in Pennsylvania will provide a source of natural for decades.
It is estimated that natural gas exploration could lead to more than 100,000 jobs statewide. While Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District is not located above the shale, local companies will certainly benefit.
Dutchland Inc. in Gap, Pa. manufactures precast concrete for wastewater facilities. The company is an important part of keeping our environment clean as we take advantage of our domestic resources. Since hydraulic fracture injects water deep into the bedrock, companies must take proper care to deal with dirty water. The Marcellus Shale is thousands of feet below the water table, so drilling does not affect groundwater.
There are environmental precautions that need to be taken as gas is extracted from the shale, but there are a number of environmental advantages to using natural gas. First, since natural gas burns cleanly, electrical plants running on gas have greatly reduced emissions. Extraction of gas also impacts the environment less than extraction of other fossil fuels such as coal. Finally, natural gas vehicles, such as buses, emit far less emissions compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Extracting gas from the nearby Marcellus Shale also has a significant cost savings over piping gas from Texas or the Rocky Mountains. Reducing the consumer price for gas will benefit homeowners and could also attract new manufacturing businesses to the state.
Natural gas is not a solution for all of our energy problems, but I believe we need to develop our domestic natural gas supply while we continue to move forward with renewable sources such as wind and solar. I believe a broad strategy of developing gas, nuclear, clean coal and renewables is the best way to reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels while gradually reducing our emissions.
We have to ensure that safety and protection of the environment are priorities for the companies developing the Shale, but with many Pennsylvanians looking for work we shouldn't pass up this opportunity to create new jobs. Responsible development of the Marcellus Shale can reduce energy costs while improving air quality.
CLICK HERE to view original post.
With easily acquired natural gas deposits beginning to run dry, energy companies started to look to foreign liquefied natural gas to make up the difference. Gas prices spiked and there were battles over where to locate new industrial facilities to import gas.
Now, however, the Energy Information Agency predicts that we will decrease the percentage of natural gas imported into the U.S. from 13 percent in 2008 to 6 percent in 2035. That's quite a turnaround, and it will happen because of hard working Pennsylvanians unlocking the Marcellus Shale that runs below much of our state.
By now, you've probably heard about the Marcellus Shale, a layer of rock running thousands of feet below the ground. We've known for years that the shale held natural gas, however, standard drilling only yielded small amounts of this gas.
By combining the decades old hydraulic fracturing process with newer methods of horizontal drilling, energy exploration companies are able to extract shale gas in significant quantities for the first time. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting a water-based mixture into the rock, creating tiny cracks in the shale and releasing gas. The process was first used in Texas to release gas from wells that were considered dry.
A Penn State University estimate shows that there is now enough gas in the Marcellus Shale to supply the entire U.S. for more than 14 years. Obviously, the Shale is not going to be tapped all at once and will not be the sole source of gas in the U.S., meaning that wells in Pennsylvania will provide a source of natural for decades.
It is estimated that natural gas exploration could lead to more than 100,000 jobs statewide. While Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District is not located above the shale, local companies will certainly benefit.
Dutchland Inc. in Gap, Pa. manufactures precast concrete for wastewater facilities. The company is an important part of keeping our environment clean as we take advantage of our domestic resources. Since hydraulic fracture injects water deep into the bedrock, companies must take proper care to deal with dirty water. The Marcellus Shale is thousands of feet below the water table, so drilling does not affect groundwater.
There are environmental precautions that need to be taken as gas is extracted from the shale, but there are a number of environmental advantages to using natural gas. First, since natural gas burns cleanly, electrical plants running on gas have greatly reduced emissions. Extraction of gas also impacts the environment less than extraction of other fossil fuels such as coal. Finally, natural gas vehicles, such as buses, emit far less emissions compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Extracting gas from the nearby Marcellus Shale also has a significant cost savings over piping gas from Texas or the Rocky Mountains. Reducing the consumer price for gas will benefit homeowners and could also attract new manufacturing businesses to the state.
Natural gas is not a solution for all of our energy problems, but I believe we need to develop our domestic natural gas supply while we continue to move forward with renewable sources such as wind and solar. I believe a broad strategy of developing gas, nuclear, clean coal and renewables is the best way to reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels while gradually reducing our emissions.
We have to ensure that safety and protection of the environment are priorities for the companies developing the Shale, but with many Pennsylvanians looking for work we shouldn't pass up this opportunity to create new jobs. Responsible development of the Marcellus Shale can reduce energy costs while improving air quality.
CLICK HERE to view original post.
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June 21, 2010
Campaign Staff
Joe Pitts participated this week in Congressional hearings and meetings regarding the response and cleanup of the BP oil spill.
Washington- Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) participated this week in Congressional hearings and meetings regarding the response and cleanup of the BP oil spill.
On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Energy and Environment Subcommittee heard from five top oil company executives regarding the future of offshore drilling and efforts to prevent future spills. On Wednesday, the Health Subcommittee held a hearing on the possible health effects of the spill and what actions the government is taking to protect workers and those who live in the Gulf region. Last week, The Energy and Environment Subcommittee examined the environmental effects of the spill.
Today, Admiral Thad Allen, United States Coast Guard, briefed Rep. Pitts and other member of Congress on the government response to the spill. Admiral Allen is the commander of the government’s relief actions in the Gulf Coast region.
Rep. Pitts’ statement follows:
“First and foremost, the leak must be stopped and the environmental damage must be repaired. This is an on-going disaster, and we should put aside partisan politics and find a way preserve the Gulf Coast environment and economy. Once this is done, it is imperative that we thoroughly understand what happened aboard the Deepwater Horizon so that it never happens again.
“ At these hearings we focused extensively on the administration’s response efforts, BP’s actions before and after the explosion and potential health concerns.
“Hearings won’t solve the problem, but Congress plays an important role in providing oversight and accountability regarding all aspects of this tragedy, including the appropriateness of the administration and BP response.”
Read full story here
(From PoliticalNews.me)
On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Energy and Environment Subcommittee heard from five top oil company executives regarding the future of offshore drilling and efforts to prevent future spills. On Wednesday, the Health Subcommittee held a hearing on the possible health effects of the spill and what actions the government is taking to protect workers and those who live in the Gulf region. Last week, The Energy and Environment Subcommittee examined the environmental effects of the spill.
Today, Admiral Thad Allen, United States Coast Guard, briefed Rep. Pitts and other member of Congress on the government response to the spill. Admiral Allen is the commander of the government’s relief actions in the Gulf Coast region.
Rep. Pitts’ statement follows:
“First and foremost, the leak must be stopped and the environmental damage must be repaired. This is an on-going disaster, and we should put aside partisan politics and find a way preserve the Gulf Coast environment and economy. Once this is done, it is imperative that we thoroughly understand what happened aboard the Deepwater Horizon so that it never happens again.
“ At these hearings we focused extensively on the administration’s response efforts, BP’s actions before and after the explosion and potential health concerns.
“Hearings won’t solve the problem, but Congress plays an important role in providing oversight and accountability regarding all aspects of this tragedy, including the appropriateness of the administration and BP response.”
Read full story here
(From PoliticalNews.me)
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June 16, 2010
Campaign Staff
Yesterday, Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) visited Dutchland, Inc. in Gap, Pa. a company that builds water storage systems and wastewater treatment plants throughout the state. Dutchland manufactures precast concrete structures that are assembled on-site.
Yesterday, Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) visited Dutchland, Inc. in Gap, Pa. a company that builds water storage systems and wastewater treatment plants throughout the state. Dutchland manufactures precast concrete structures that are assembled on-site.
Local municipalities use Dutchland’s products to upgrade facilities discharging water into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In recent years, the federal government has placed increased limits on wastewater discharge as part of the effort to revitalize aquatic life in the Chesapeake.
Dutchland also supports many of the new Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration facilities. Water is an essential tool in the hydraulic fracturing process used to release natural gas from shale rock. Wastewater treatment facilities ensure that water used in the process is properly cleaned.
Rep. Pitts’ statement follows:
“I had a great opportunity yesterday to visit a local company that is working to keep our waterways and our drinking water clean. It was fascinating to hear how Dutchland is working in our community to clean the Chesapeake and allow natural resources to be developed cleanly.
“Our actions here in Pennsylvania have a significant impact on the health of the Chesapeake, and local municipalities must act responsibly to work toward healthy waterways. New wastewater treatment and storage facilities will have to be brought online to reduce pollutants.
“I was also impressed to hear about how Dutchland’s systems are supporting development of the Marcellus Shale. Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel, but we must also ensure that companies protect the environment as they take advantage of new drilling methods.”
CLICK HERE to view original post.
Local municipalities use Dutchland’s products to upgrade facilities discharging water into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In recent years, the federal government has placed increased limits on wastewater discharge as part of the effort to revitalize aquatic life in the Chesapeake.
Dutchland also supports many of the new Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration facilities. Water is an essential tool in the hydraulic fracturing process used to release natural gas from shale rock. Wastewater treatment facilities ensure that water used in the process is properly cleaned.
Rep. Pitts’ statement follows:
“I had a great opportunity yesterday to visit a local company that is working to keep our waterways and our drinking water clean. It was fascinating to hear how Dutchland is working in our community to clean the Chesapeake and allow natural resources to be developed cleanly.
“Our actions here in Pennsylvania have a significant impact on the health of the Chesapeake, and local municipalities must act responsibly to work toward healthy waterways. New wastewater treatment and storage facilities will have to be brought online to reduce pollutants.
“I was also impressed to hear about how Dutchland’s systems are supporting development of the Marcellus Shale. Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel, but we must also ensure that companies protect the environment as they take advantage of new drilling methods.”
CLICK HERE to view original post.
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June 09, 2010
Campaign Staff
If you walk into an Apple store in the United States you can walk out with a brand new iPod for around $212. If you purchase from the same retailer in England, you can expect to pay the equivalent of $230. Why the difference? Much of this disparity is because of a value-added tax paid on manufactured products in Britain.
If you walk into an Apple store in the United States you can walk out with a brand new iPod for around $212. If you purchase from the same retailer in England, you can expect to pay the equivalent of $230. Why the difference? Much of this disparity is because of a value-added tax paid on manufactured products in Britain.
A value-added tax, or VAT, is a type of sales tax paid by raw materials producers, manufacturers, and retailers at each stage of production. This type of tax is common in most European nations, but does not exist in the U.S.
However, this situation may not last much longer. Paul Volcker, one of the President’s top economic advisors, has publicly called for a new VAT. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has said that Congress should look into creating the new tax.
It is certainly true that our federal government is facing a budget crisis; we just don’t believe that a new VAT would balance our budget or allow our economy to create the millions of new jobs necessary to recover from the current recession.
Greece, Spain, and Portugal have all assessed a VAT for decades. None of these nations has used the added VAT revenue to balance their budget. During the economic bubble, tax revenue from the VAT and other sources encouraged these governments to set up lavish public sector benefits and expand government programs.
Now with the economic downturn, many of these nations are facing catastrophic deficits. The VAT didn’t make European governments responsible, why would we think things would be different in the U.S.?
Instead, the VAT is a drag on job growth. The last thing we want to do right now is reduce the buying power of a dollar through new taxes. But with a VAT, consumers would pay more at the cash register, businesses would pay more for accounting and the government would pay more to police tax payments.
Obviously, if you pay more for an iPod or other consumer goods, you will have less money to spend on something else. The VAT has a direct effect on consumer purchasing power.
Right now, sales taxes are only assessed when someone buys a consumer good. When a manufacturer sells a product to a retailer, no tax is assessed. But under a VAT, each business in the supply chain collects taxes. That means additional paperwork and accounting costs. Accounting is a worthy profession, but hiring another accountant to comply with the VAT isn’t going to make a small business more profitable.
The complexity of the VAT system means that the government needs to hire additional IRS agents and auditors to enforce the tax. A 1984 estimate by the Congressional Budget Office showed that a VAT would lead the IRS to expand its workforce by more than 20,000. A new estimate would probably show a significant increase in the number of workers needed to enforce the VAT.
By the end of the year we could see a very serious debate about whether Congress should look to the VAT to balance the budget. The President’s debt commission is searching for ways to balance the federal budget. In Washington one of the most talked about recommendations is the VAT.
Even the President himself has indicated that a VAT should be considered as a way to increase government revenue. We don’t believe that the primary problem is a lack of revenue. Instead, we have a government that has grown beyond its rightful bounds.
From 1982 to 2007, the U.S. created 45 million new jobs compared to only 10 million in Europe. There are many causes for this disparity, but among the chief reasons is a much higher tax burden on Europeans.
We’ve joined together with 155 Members of Congress in a letter calling on the debt commission to reject the temptation to recommend a VAT and instead look for ways restrain government spending. A balanced budget doesn’t have to come at the expense of American jobs.
The U.S. is one of the few industrialized nations that doesn’t impose a VAT. We believe that what makes us different from other nations is what makes our economy the strongest in the world.
CLICK HERE to view original post.
A value-added tax, or VAT, is a type of sales tax paid by raw materials producers, manufacturers, and retailers at each stage of production. This type of tax is common in most European nations, but does not exist in the U.S.
However, this situation may not last much longer. Paul Volcker, one of the President’s top economic advisors, has publicly called for a new VAT. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has said that Congress should look into creating the new tax.
It is certainly true that our federal government is facing a budget crisis; we just don’t believe that a new VAT would balance our budget or allow our economy to create the millions of new jobs necessary to recover from the current recession.
Greece, Spain, and Portugal have all assessed a VAT for decades. None of these nations has used the added VAT revenue to balance their budget. During the economic bubble, tax revenue from the VAT and other sources encouraged these governments to set up lavish public sector benefits and expand government programs.
Now with the economic downturn, many of these nations are facing catastrophic deficits. The VAT didn’t make European governments responsible, why would we think things would be different in the U.S.?
Instead, the VAT is a drag on job growth. The last thing we want to do right now is reduce the buying power of a dollar through new taxes. But with a VAT, consumers would pay more at the cash register, businesses would pay more for accounting and the government would pay more to police tax payments.
Obviously, if you pay more for an iPod or other consumer goods, you will have less money to spend on something else. The VAT has a direct effect on consumer purchasing power.
Right now, sales taxes are only assessed when someone buys a consumer good. When a manufacturer sells a product to a retailer, no tax is assessed. But under a VAT, each business in the supply chain collects taxes. That means additional paperwork and accounting costs. Accounting is a worthy profession, but hiring another accountant to comply with the VAT isn’t going to make a small business more profitable.
The complexity of the VAT system means that the government needs to hire additional IRS agents and auditors to enforce the tax. A 1984 estimate by the Congressional Budget Office showed that a VAT would lead the IRS to expand its workforce by more than 20,000. A new estimate would probably show a significant increase in the number of workers needed to enforce the VAT.
By the end of the year we could see a very serious debate about whether Congress should look to the VAT to balance the budget. The President’s debt commission is searching for ways to balance the federal budget. In Washington one of the most talked about recommendations is the VAT.
Even the President himself has indicated that a VAT should be considered as a way to increase government revenue. We don’t believe that the primary problem is a lack of revenue. Instead, we have a government that has grown beyond its rightful bounds.
From 1982 to 2007, the U.S. created 45 million new jobs compared to only 10 million in Europe. There are many causes for this disparity, but among the chief reasons is a much higher tax burden on Europeans.
We’ve joined together with 155 Members of Congress in a letter calling on the debt commission to reject the temptation to recommend a VAT and instead look for ways restrain government spending. A balanced budget doesn’t have to come at the expense of American jobs.
The U.S. is one of the few industrialized nations that doesn’t impose a VAT. We believe that what makes us different from other nations is what makes our economy the strongest in the world.
CLICK HERE to view original post.
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June 01, 2010
Campaign Staff
In the past year, there have been stark reminders of why our Armed Forces are engaged in foreign battles and why many have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The Christmas Day bomber nearly killed hundreds in the sky over Detroit. Just a few weeks ago, a terrorist trained in Pakistan tried to detonate a car bomb in Times Square.
In the past year, there have been stark reminders of why our Armed Forces are engaged in foreign battles and why many have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The Christmas Day bomber nearly killed hundreds in the sky over Detroit. Just a few weeks ago, a terrorist trained in Pakistan tried to detonate a car bomb in Times Square.
These attempts make it clear that terrorists are still plotting to use civilians around in the world and in the U.S. as targets. They hate free societies, and especially our own, the most free and prosperous nation in the world.
Indeed, today's battlefield is even being fought on American shores. Sadly, in the past year we lost 13 of our fighting men and women and one unborn baby in an attack by a deranged Army officer who had embraced a radical Islamic ideology.
Those who lost their lives had come together from across the country to serve in our Armed Forces and for the cause of liberty. Their hometowns ranged from Spokane to Pittsburgh and they were both officers and enlisted personnel. Some were on their way to the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, and others had just returned from overseas.
Unfortunately, Major Nidal Hasan chose to make Fort Hood, Texas, a battlefield. His attack was cowardly as none of his victims were armed. Despite having no weapon to defend himself, Capt. John Gaffaney charged Hasan during the shooting spree but was mortally wounded. All 13 American soldiers died as heroes, even though they certainly did not expect to fight within their own home base.
The terrorist attacks and attempts here at home reinforce the need for our military to root out our enemies overseas. It reminds us why our soldiers are fighting al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.
From their bases in Afghanistan, with the full support of the Taliban government, al Qaeda was able to plan and execute the attacks on September 11, 2001. These attacks are not ancient history, but we must not forget what a dedicated terrorist organization can do when they have safe haven and the tacit support of a government.
In the coming weeks, our troops will undertake a campaign to root out the Taliban from Kandahar, the site of the Taliban's first successful military campaign in 1994. As their virtual capital, Kandahar serves as a major stronghold for the Taliban. This is expected to be the most difficult phase of the new strategy in Afghanistan.
Some question the need for our fight in Afghanistan and, instead, call for negotiation with the Taliban. I believe it is dangerous for us to consider withdrawal or compromise as long as the Taliban embrace international terrorism.
Our success during the surge in Iraq went hand-in-hand with the Anbar Awakening, a movement in which domestic Iraqi groups chose to disassociate from al Qaeda in Iraq. Only after their rejection of terrorism, were we able to work with the Anbar groups to work towards a more peaceful society.
I visited Afghanistan shortly after U.S. forces initially secured the country in 2002. I met with women and children who were brutally oppressed by the Taliban. I witnessed girls eagerly attending school for the first time, delighted by the opportunity to learn and flourish in a freer society. It is my firm belief that we should not abandon the people of Afghanistan to the terrorists who brutalized the country for many years.
The Taliban hope that our resistance to their rule will crumble, but I know that we have dedicated men and women who will stay until we have achieved security for the people of Afghanistan and for our families here at home. They have strong examples of American troops gone before them who fought against persistent and stubborn enemies and returned home victorious.
This Memorial Day we remember those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy freedom. We also think about those who are in harm's way and pray for their safety and for their families here at home. For those families who lost loved ones the war never ends. We will enjoy that freedom with barbeques and swimming pools, but we must also take the time to honor those who have given the full measure so that we can enjoy the fruits of liberty.
To view original post, Click Here
These attempts make it clear that terrorists are still plotting to use civilians around in the world and in the U.S. as targets. They hate free societies, and especially our own, the most free and prosperous nation in the world.
Indeed, today's battlefield is even being fought on American shores. Sadly, in the past year we lost 13 of our fighting men and women and one unborn baby in an attack by a deranged Army officer who had embraced a radical Islamic ideology.
Those who lost their lives had come together from across the country to serve in our Armed Forces and for the cause of liberty. Their hometowns ranged from Spokane to Pittsburgh and they were both officers and enlisted personnel. Some were on their way to the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, and others had just returned from overseas.
Unfortunately, Major Nidal Hasan chose to make Fort Hood, Texas, a battlefield. His attack was cowardly as none of his victims were armed. Despite having no weapon to defend himself, Capt. John Gaffaney charged Hasan during the shooting spree but was mortally wounded. All 13 American soldiers died as heroes, even though they certainly did not expect to fight within their own home base.
The terrorist attacks and attempts here at home reinforce the need for our military to root out our enemies overseas. It reminds us why our soldiers are fighting al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.
From their bases in Afghanistan, with the full support of the Taliban government, al Qaeda was able to plan and execute the attacks on September 11, 2001. These attacks are not ancient history, but we must not forget what a dedicated terrorist organization can do when they have safe haven and the tacit support of a government.
In the coming weeks, our troops will undertake a campaign to root out the Taliban from Kandahar, the site of the Taliban's first successful military campaign in 1994. As their virtual capital, Kandahar serves as a major stronghold for the Taliban. This is expected to be the most difficult phase of the new strategy in Afghanistan.
Some question the need for our fight in Afghanistan and, instead, call for negotiation with the Taliban. I believe it is dangerous for us to consider withdrawal or compromise as long as the Taliban embrace international terrorism.
Our success during the surge in Iraq went hand-in-hand with the Anbar Awakening, a movement in which domestic Iraqi groups chose to disassociate from al Qaeda in Iraq. Only after their rejection of terrorism, were we able to work with the Anbar groups to work towards a more peaceful society.
I visited Afghanistan shortly after U.S. forces initially secured the country in 2002. I met with women and children who were brutally oppressed by the Taliban. I witnessed girls eagerly attending school for the first time, delighted by the opportunity to learn and flourish in a freer society. It is my firm belief that we should not abandon the people of Afghanistan to the terrorists who brutalized the country for many years.
The Taliban hope that our resistance to their rule will crumble, but I know that we have dedicated men and women who will stay until we have achieved security for the people of Afghanistan and for our families here at home. They have strong examples of American troops gone before them who fought against persistent and stubborn enemies and returned home victorious.
This Memorial Day we remember those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy freedom. We also think about those who are in harm's way and pray for their safety and for their families here at home. For those families who lost loved ones the war never ends. We will enjoy that freedom with barbeques and swimming pools, but we must also take the time to honor those who have given the full measure so that we can enjoy the fruits of liberty.
To view original post, Click Here
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