Source: Karen Bass (D-CA, 37th)
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA-02), and the Co-Chairs of the CBC Task Force on Foreign Affairs and National Security, Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA-37) and Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), issued the following joint statement in response to the recent attacks in Niger.
“The early October attack that left four American service members dead in Niger has raised a number of important questions about exactly what happened, highlighted growing counterterrorism efforts across the continent, and emphasized the need for the Administration to reveal its policy toward Africa.
“During Monday’s press conference, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, confirmed that the U.S. has had up to 800 military officials in Niger, the largest American force anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa, and divulged that there are some 6,000 U.S. troops across the continent. This revelation causes deep concern for the Congressional Black Caucus.
“The U.S. has made great gains in Africa across several administrations. These gains have included developing the next generation of leaders; investing in infrastructure projects through the Millennial Challenge Corporation (MCC); improving trade relations through the African Growth and Opportunity Act and entrepreneurship programs; addressing a variety of health concerns through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI); strengthening democratic institutions; and supporting a variety of peace and security initiatives.
“Our policy toward Africa should be multidimensional and robust, and should utilize all of our foreign policy tools, including diplomacy and development, to their maximum capacity. When defense and diplomacy work in tandem, we will be successful in aiding the second largest continent in the world.
“We call for a full investigation into the events that led to the tragic loss of four soldiers in Niger and a briefing on this Administration’s policy toward Africa."
The Unpopular Truth
Showing posts with label Niger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Niger. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
BANKS: NIGER AMBUSH HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR NEW WAR AUTHORIZATION
Source: Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke on the House floor about the ambush in Niger that killed four U.S. service members and the need for Congress to pass a new Authorization of Military Force (AUMF).
Text of the speech follows:
“Mr. Speaker, earlier this month four U.S. service members were killed in Niger by Islamic militants.
“We thank these Americans heroes who paid the ultimate price for our country. Their service will never be forgotten.
“As we learn more about this situation, many of my constituents have asked why American personnel are in Niger.
“Today we have U.S. service members around the globe fighting or advising operations against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups on several continents.
“However, they are doing so under war authorization Congress passed in 2001 and 2002 in the wake of the September 11th attacks.
“Rather than continuing to fight ISIS under an authorization passed by Congress sixteen years ago, it is time to pass a new authorization for the use of military force that is focused on present-day and future threats.
“The authorizations passed by Congress in 2001 and 2002 are out of date, and I have introduced new AUMF legislation that addresses the modern threats we face.
“The Constitution grants Congress the power of declaring war, and we need to take that obligation seriously and debate these important issues. My bill is a good starting point.
“With that, I yield back.”
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke on the House floor about the ambush in Niger that killed four U.S. service members and the need for Congress to pass a new Authorization of Military Force (AUMF).
Text of the speech follows:
“Mr. Speaker, earlier this month four U.S. service members were killed in Niger by Islamic militants.
“We thank these Americans heroes who paid the ultimate price for our country. Their service will never be forgotten.
“As we learn more about this situation, many of my constituents have asked why American personnel are in Niger.
“Today we have U.S. service members around the globe fighting or advising operations against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups on several continents.
“However, they are doing so under war authorization Congress passed in 2001 and 2002 in the wake of the September 11th attacks.
“Rather than continuing to fight ISIS under an authorization passed by Congress sixteen years ago, it is time to pass a new authorization for the use of military force that is focused on present-day and future threats.
“The authorizations passed by Congress in 2001 and 2002 are out of date, and I have introduced new AUMF legislation that addresses the modern threats we face.
“The Constitution grants Congress the power of declaring war, and we need to take that obligation seriously and debate these important issues. My bill is a good starting point.
“With that, I yield back.”
Adams, CBC Women Demand Apology from White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, Answers in Niger
Source: Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) issued the following statement echoing the call for an apology from White House Chief of Staff John Kelly after he falsely accused Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) of bragging about securing funding for a new Miramar, Florida FBI Building during the dedication of the building in 2015 and referred to her as an “empty barrel”. Following the release of the South Florida Sun Sentinel's video proving General Kelly’s claim was incorrect, Congresswoman Adams was one of seventeen Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) women who demanded an apology from him in a statement over the weekend.
“It is embarrassing that this administration is more concerned about belittling a sitting Congresswoman than getting answers for the families of these fallen heroes,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Chief of Staff Kelly’s demeaning comments and blatant lies should not be allowed to call into question Congresswoman Wilson’s integrity. He should apologize immediately.
“Rep. Wilson has been a principled leader and servant to her South Florida constituents, many of whom she’s come to love like family, for decades. She continued this record of service last week when she visited with the family of fallen hero Sergeant La David Johnson, who graduated from her mentorship program 5000 Role Models of Excellence. While President Trump spent the weekend at his golf course tweeting about football, Rep. Wilson attended Sergeant Johnson’s funeral and continues to call for answers to what happened in Niger.”
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) issued the following statement echoing the call for an apology from White House Chief of Staff John Kelly after he falsely accused Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) of bragging about securing funding for a new Miramar, Florida FBI Building during the dedication of the building in 2015 and referred to her as an “empty barrel”. Following the release of the South Florida Sun Sentinel's video proving General Kelly’s claim was incorrect, Congresswoman Adams was one of seventeen Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) women who demanded an apology from him in a statement over the weekend.
“It is embarrassing that this administration is more concerned about belittling a sitting Congresswoman than getting answers for the families of these fallen heroes,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Chief of Staff Kelly’s demeaning comments and blatant lies should not be allowed to call into question Congresswoman Wilson’s integrity. He should apologize immediately.
“Rep. Wilson has been a principled leader and servant to her South Florida constituents, many of whom she’s come to love like family, for decades. She continued this record of service last week when she visited with the family of fallen hero Sergeant La David Johnson, who graduated from her mentorship program 5000 Role Models of Excellence. While President Trump spent the weekend at his golf course tweeting about football, Rep. Wilson attended Sergeant Johnson’s funeral and continues to call for answers to what happened in Niger.”
Friday, October 20, 2017
Blumenthal Calls for Transparency, Accountability Regarding US Soldier Deaths in Niger
Source: Senator Richard Blumenthal - (D - CT)
Washington, D.C. - October 20, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for a full hearing of the Committee on the deaths of four American soldiers killed in Niger, and swift completion of a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
“In the days since four Americans were killed in Niger, we have no clear answers about what happened and why their lives were lost. Nearly two weeks of delay and non-disclosure is cause for very grave concern. The Senate Armed Services Committee needs to hear directly from those in charge – including U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Special Operations Command – about what decisions led to this tragic outcome. I fully support all efforts Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Reed will take to ensure that our Committee is fully engaged in its oversight responsibilities including, if necessary, subpoenas. Meanwhile, the Administration must prioritize a comprehensive investigation,” said Blumenthal.
Read more about Fallen Soldiers at the Ponder news by clicking here
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