Our freshman Congressman Paul Cook has made an overseas trip, consistent with his membership on the House Armed Services Committee. Reporter Dan Stork summarizes Cook’s trip to Afghanistan…
Representative Paul Cook returned recently from a visit by a congressional delegation to Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The delegation was led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman, California Republican Buck McKeon. The delegation visit included official discussions with high-ranking government officials regarding political, economic, and security issues affecting bilateral and regional relationships in Afghanistan and UAE. Cook stated, “The most important thing for me was to get out there and view the situation on the ground in Afghanistan. I wanted to talk to the troops so I could hear from them and know their assessment of the situation.” He added, “I walked away confident of our military leadership in there, and I’m optimistic about a smooth transition as US troops continue to draw down.” The trip included a briefing with General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., the current commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan. Cook also met with the Afghanistan National Army Commander, who will continue to oversee more of the ground operations, as our troops continue withdrawal. The delegation also met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
