Cummings Supports Afghanistan Freedom & Security Act

Today, U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Maryland), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Co-Founder/Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Drug Policy, voted with the House majority to pass the Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act, H.R. 2446.

This legislation renews a 2002 Afghanistan authorization that funds development, economic and security assistance programs, and establishes a coordinator to tackle the growing threat of narcotics in Afghanistan. In terms of specific funds, the bill authorizes $6.4 billion for fiscal years 2008 through 2010, of which $2.1 billion is authorized to be spent in fiscal year 2008.

Despite efforts to rebuild Afghanistan, experts warn that extremists continue in their attempts to regain control of the government. This bill, however, takes the steps necessary to ensure Afghanistan's long-term stability and security.

As a leader in drug policy issues, Congressman Cummings said, "I was encouraged that H.R. 2446 requires the President to set out an enhanced counter-narcotics strategy and mandates a cutoff of U.S. assistance to local or provincial governments where there is credible evidence that officials have links to terrorist activities or the drug trade."

"Recently, Pentagon officials said that newly-formed Afghan forces are taking the lead in addressing the problem of counter-narcotics.  However, they expressed that challenges remain in funding helicopters, testing labs and other anti-narcotic equipment/material," Congressman Cummings said.  "This bill addresses some of these challenges by requiring the President to appoint a coordinator with authority to work across all U.S. government departments and agencies to implement a counter-narcotics strategy in Afghanistan.  The legislation also contains a provision that will require the Drug Enforcement Administration to target 'sensitive sites' which harbor major drug kingpins and narcotics processing labs in Afghanistan."

Overall, the bill requires the President to set out an enhanced strategy with specific and measurable reconstruction and security goals for Afghanistan. It also requires the Administration to report to Congress its progress in meeting a large range of political, economic, development, security, and counter-narcotics performance goals.  Providing this information will ensure adequate accountability and oversight of our ongoing military operations in Afghanistan. 

"Achieving stability in Afghanistan is a key part of the global strategy to address and prevent terrorism.  I am hopeful that this bill will assist us in achieving meaningful strides in Afghanistan, while benefiting its people," Congressman Cummings said.