Courtney statement on President's trip to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on the anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden and the signing of the Enduring Strategic Partnership Agreement between the United States and Afghanistan:

"The President's declaration that the mission in Afghanistan has reached a turning point, which requires a smaller U.S. combat footprint, is welcome news. The men and women who have borne the heavy burden of this long war deserve all the credit for reaching this beachhead. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, which is on the brink of writing the 2013 Defense Authorization Bill, I look forward to ensuring that a responsible and expeditious transition occurs as quickly as possible, without an open-ended obligation for the American people."