As Afghans prepare to decide who will replace outgoing President Hamid Karzai, House Speaker John Boehner and a group of senior House Republicans have taken a trip to that war-torn country.
“Many Americans have sacrificed to secure these goals, and far too many have made the ultimate sacrifice or suffered life-changing wounds in the past twelve years of fighting,” Boehner said in a statement Monday. “Now, the Afghans are poised to elect a new government for the first time in their history. We must honor the sacrifices of the Americans and Afghans who have given so much to reach this point and continue our work together.”
The visit, following the country’s first round of voting, found Boehner and the delegation checking in on the country’s political process and security, along with the transition of American forces.
The delegation met with American troops stationed in the country, along with Ambassador James B. Cunningham and General Joseph F. Dunford. According to Boehner’s office, the GOP-controlled House of Representatives wants to maintain a large enough military presence in the country to “successfully complete the work that has been done to date” and “honor the sacrifice of thousands of troops and civilians.”
“The visit to Afghanistan is one stop on a trip that focuses on national security, as well as American jobs,” Boehner’s office said.
The delegation is still in Afghanistan, according to Politico. Traveling with Boehner are Education & Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline, Natural Resources Committee Chairman ‘Doc’ Hastings, outgoing Ways & Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, and Oregon Rep. Greg Walden, among others.