Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, issued this statement following President Trump's announcement of an Afghanistan strategy: 

"After 16 years of fighting and nearly 2,400 American lives lost, the American people have every right to question sending more US forces into Afghanistan. No one wants to see more American lives lost to a never-ending war. 

"When it comes to sending more US troops to Afghanistan, the President's new strategy appears to be not to reveal any strategy. Congress and the American people deserve more information, particularly if more US service members are being sent overseas. The President spoke of 'expanded authority' and the 'lifting of restrictions.' While we have great trust in our military leaders and the brave men and women serving in the armed forces, Congress will not continue to fund a war based off tonight's speech. We need specifics, including troop levels. 

"We are still waging the war in Afghanistan under a Congressional authorization that was passed in the wake of 9/11. As the President made clear, the threats have evolved. We share the President's commitment to fighting terrorism, but it is clear after tonight that Congress must immediately begin consideration of a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force, and the President should provide us with the information necessary to act in the best interest of the American people."