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“This trip afforded me the opportunity to have a direct view of the situation on the ground, an opportunity to ask questions, and to receive answers from those carrying out the U.S. military operations, and that’s an invaluable opportunity," said Esty, a Democrat who represents the 5th Congressional District, which includes Danbury, Bethel, Newtown, Sherman, New Fairfield and Brookfield as well as most of northwestern Connecticut.
"It is a complex and dangerous place. ... Instability in the region continues to threaten the United States, our allies in the region, our allies in Europe, and our allies here at home."
Esty traveled with Rep. John Kline, Rep. Carlos Carballo, and Rep. Julie Brown between Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 24. She had the opportunity to meet personnel originally from Waterbury, Cheshire, and Washington Depot.
"Our military and USAID and other organizations are performing a good job in a tough place, and shared that there is real progress —incremental in some cases — but real progress being made," Esty said. "The Afghan military and national police are gaining capacity, and are showing increased ability and willingness to fight the Taliban and fight ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province) as it is known there."
Esty said she returned from this trip with a "greater appreciation and understanding of the role coalition forces play in our military strategy, and the significance of having them work with our military men and women."
U.S. forces there now number 9,800, she said, "and could not do the job if it were not for the other coalition forces. We saw troops from many different countries while we were there who are working together and helping train Afghans."
Esty added that she came away with "a lot of pride" in what the American military and Afghan civil society have accomplished.
"There is some progress and that is a good thing,” said Esty.
This bipartisan trip was organized to assist members of Congress to conduct oversight of U.S. operations in Afghanistan and Kuwait.
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