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Last Updated on November 20, 2013.

Today, Win Without War and 14 other national organizations sent a letter to the Senate about Afghanistan.

November 20, 2013

Dear Senator,

We urge you to support Amendment 2343 to the National Defense Authorization Act, sponsored by Senators Merkley (D-OR), Paul (R-KY), Lee (R-UT), Manchin (D-WV), Wyden (D-OR), Harkin (D-IA), Tester (D-MT), and Begich (D-AK). This measure urges explicit congressional authorization if U.S. troops are to remain in Afghanistan after December 2014.

In his first term, President Obama pledged to end the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan by December 2014. However, there have been numerous reports that several thousand or more troops will remain in Afghanistan beyond that date.

The Afghan people are having a say in continued American troops in that country through a loya jirga. The American people, through Congress, should also have a say.

The amendment would provide a valuable avenue for Congressional involvement in the decision-making process, allowing for much-needed debate on any continued U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan.

Now in its thirteenth year, the war in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of over 2,000 service members, wounded over 19,000, and cost American taxpayers close to $600 billion.

American men and women in uniform have sacrificed greatly in Afghanistan over the past twelve years. Any decision to leave troops in Afghanistan after the official end to combat operations should be accompanied by robust congressional debate.

We strongly support the Merkley amendment, and urge you to do the same.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Center for International Policy

Council for a Livable World

Credo

Fellowship of Reconciliation

Friends Committee on National Legislation

Global Exchange

GlobalSolutions.org

Just Foreign Policy

MoveOn.org

Peace Action

Peace Action West

Sojourners

United for Peace and Justice

Win Without War

Women’s Action for New Directions

November 20, 2013