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Congressman Biggs Applauds Continued Withdrawal of American Troops from Middle East

November 17, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Department of Defense Acting Secretary Christopher Miller announced that the Trump administration would continue to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. According to the acting secretary, there would be 2,500 troops left in both Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, 2021. Congressman Biggs issued the following statement:

"Today is a great day for our nation and for the men and women who serve in our military. For almost two decades, American troops have occupied Afghanistan and Iraq – at great cost to our nation both in lives and in dollars. Our men and women in uniform deserve to fight constitutionally sanctioned wars where American interests are on the line. American servicemembers have fought valiantly in the Middle East, but the current stage of these conflicts can no longer justify the tremendous sacrifices made by our troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Since taking office, President Trump has kept his promises to withdraw our troops from the Middle East and to stop America's involvement in endless wars. President Trump understands that our troops should only be used to defend American interests where there is an immediate or ongoing threat to our citizens or allies. And President Trump knows that our propensity for endless wars has bankrupted our grandchildren's financial futures. I am grateful for the president's courage and commitment to his promises, and I look forward to the return of our troops."

Last week, Congressman Biggs sent a letter to President Trump, asking him to continue to strategically draw down our nation's military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.