By Howard P. “Buck” McKeon
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
February 28, 2013
Budget Cuts Chip Away at Military Readiness |
Howard P. ‘Buck’ McKeon, a Republican who represents California’s 25th District, is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
Only a handful of legislative days remain to resolve the devastating cuts to our military, known as sequestration, before the campaign trail becomes the sole focus of political activity.
(Politico) Gen. John Allen, commander of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, is to testify Tuesday before the House Armed Services Committee. After a month of increased tensions, the American people and Congress understand the many obstacles to success.
Eighteen months ago, President Obama ordered a surge of U.S. troops into Afghanistan, a prudent strategy reflecting conditions on the ground. Yet he also made the imprudent decision to publicly announce an arbitrary timetable for withdrawal beginning this month.