Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement after
President Barack Obama announced a timetable for the  withdrawal of troops
from Afghanistan: 

“This country has a $14.5 trillion national debt, in part owing to two wars that have not been paid for.  We have been at war in Afghanistan for the last 10 years and paid a high price both in terms of casualties and national treasure.  This year alone, we will spend about $100 billion on that war. In my view, it is time for the people of Afghanistan to take full responsibility for waging the war against the Taliban.

“While we cannot withdraw all of our troops immediately, we must bring them home as soon as possible. I appreciate the president’s announcement, but I believe that the withdrawal should occur at significantly faster speed and greater scope.”