Party of Yes? House GOP Proposes Bills to Support Obama's Afghanistan, Pakistan Plan

Published December 24, 2015

The GOP wants to be the party of yes.

House Republicans on Wednesday introduced two bills to authorize and support President Obama's joint strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The bills would clear the resources Obama wants for the countries, including $1.5 billion a year in foreign assistance aid to Pakistan.

"President Obama has outlined a responsible strategy on Afghanistan and Pakistan, and he deserves support from Democrats and Republicans in Congress as our troops, intelligence professionals, diplomatic officials, and allies work to ensure security in the region," House Minority Leader John Boehner said in a statement.

But it also puts Republicans in the unusual and potentially beneficial position of siding with the Obama administration while some in the president's own party back away.

Some liberal Democrats are not happy with Obama's move to escalate the war in Afghanistan, while some are worried that Pakistan will not live up to its end of the bargain in the fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

By siding with Obama, Republicans can at least begin to shed their "party of no" label.

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee who introduced the legislation, hinted that the other party is not showing the president enough support.

"Our commander-in-chief's outline to improve the security situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan deserves the full support of both parties in Congress," Ros-Lehtinen said in a written statement. "House Democrats should join us in supporting these bills to send a clear message that Congress is committed with the president to bringing security to Afghanistan and Pakistan."

The legislation would require Obama to provide a "comprehensive plan" for both countries and require the administration to update Congress regularly on its implementation.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/party-of-yes-house-gop-proposes-bills-to-support-obamas-afghanistan-pakistan-plan