Benishek Comments On Weekend Visit To Afghanistan*

Statement

Congressman Dan Benishek (MI-01) today released the following statement:

"This past weekend I had the privilege to meet with members of America's fighting forces in Afghanistan. I believe I speak for all Americans when I state how proud I am of the men and women who have chosen to defend this country's interests abroad.

I went on this brief tour for the purpose of learning more about the medical techniques being used to treat those who have been maimed on the battlefield.

I remain deeply concerned about the endless nature of this decade long conflict in Afghanistan. I am neither a military expert nor a counterinsurgency specialist, but I feel a responsibility to taxpayers to continue carefully looking at this issue so that I can make informed decisions as this issue is addressed in Congress."

*U.S. Rep. Benishek, who serves on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, travelled to Afghanistan as part of a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) on October 6, 2011. Other members of the delegation included, Rep. Phil Roe (TN-01), Rep. Jeff Denham (CA-19), Rep. Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), and Rep. Tim Walz (MN-01).

The purpose of the trip was to learn more about healthcare services provided to armed service members from the forward operating bases in Afghanistan. For security purposes the Congressman was asked not make any public announcements of the trip until he returned to the United States.

Source