Defense & Homeland Security
Nothing is more important than keeping Americans safe and Senator Leahy has long fought to ensure that the brave men and women on the front lines and in our communities have the resources and support they need to do their jobs. The Senator is proud of and grateful for our nation's service members and their families.
Iraq
Senator Leahy opposed the Iraq War since its beginning, and he has consistently voted against funding the war as an open-ended conflict. He also supported legislation to withdraw our troops, shorten deployment durations, and shift our strategy to focus on addressing the real threat of terrorism.
More than 4,000 American soldiers have died and tens of thousands are grievously wounded from the war in Iraq. The United States has spent an estimated $1 trillion since the invasion, money we have borrowed and which our children will have to repay.
President Obama has said he plans to withdraw two-thirds of all U.S. forces from Iraq by August 2010 and all remaining troops by December 2011. It is high time that we shifted our focus back to fighting al Qaeda and its terrorist allies.
Afghanistan
President Obama’s decision to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan has elicited strong reactions, both for and against the proposal, from the American people.
Senator Leahy respects the President’s judicious approach to this difficult decision. President Obama took time to consider whether the inevitable costs of escalating the war—further loss of life and limb—were necessary to secure the American people, and whether the objectives of the mission itself could be accomplished. His predecessor should have made such considerations before hastily sending thousands of young Americans to die in Iraq. Although Senator Leahy appreciates the President’s deliberation, he still has serious concerns that neither the President’s strategy nor the deployment of 30,000 additional troops will achieve the goals he has spelled out for Afghanistan.
As of January 2010, more than 1,500 Vermont National Guard troops are deploying to Afghanistan. Senator Leahy has traveled to Afghanistan to see where they will be deployed. You can view photos from this trip here. His concern over the President’s decision to send additional troops does not detract from the pride that he has for these brave Vermonters. Their safety and well-being are his highest priority.
National Security
For more information on National Security issues, as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Judiciary Committee, please visit this page.
Related Information
Related News
- Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On The Nomination Of Chuck Hagel To Be Secretary of Defense, February 14, 2013
- Leahy Meets With Hagel -- Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy After His Meeting With Former Senator Chuck Hagel On His Nomination To Be Secretary Of Defense, January 17, 2013
- Leahy: General Electric Of Rutland Gains $8 Million Navy Contract, January 3, 2013