WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump addressed the nation about Afghanistan.

“I commend President Trump for listening to our military commanders on the ground in Afghanistan and offering a strategy for success based on their recommendations,” Wicker said.  “The decision to deploy additional U.S. troops should not be made lightly. 

“Like our commander in chief, I recognize what failure in Afghanistan would mean for America.  Terrorists could again use the failed state as a safe haven, putting our national security at risk.

“The people of Afghanistan will ultimately determine their future.  Afghan troops will be on the frontlines fighting for this future and peace for their nation.  Based upon the request of the government of Afghanistan, our role is to help them succeed.  I support the President’s commitment to providing that assistance and his determination to defeat terrorists like the Islamic State, who continue to exploit instability and slaughter innocent lives.”