Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) left Afghanistan May 27 following a four-day bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visit. In addition to meeting New York servicemen and women, Rep. Maloney received a full briefing on key political and security issues from top military leaders, senior intelligence officials, and foreign assistance personnel.

Rep. Maloney visits New York service members at Bagram Air Field. (Photo provided)
Rep. Maloney visits New York service members at Bagram Air Field. (Photo provided)

“In Afghanistan, I saw firsthand the incredible progress our troops are making, including the extraordinary work of service members from New York. It’s an honor to personally visit and thank our service members on behalf of all my neighbors in the Hudson Valley — I’m inspired by the work they do every day to protect our country,” Maloney said.

Rep. Maloney’s trip over Memorial Day weekend concluded as President Obama announced a plan to keep a contingency force of 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 to train Afghan forces and support counter-terrorism operations. Members of the delegation received briefings on the Afghan National Security Forces, the status of the upcoming June Afghan Presidential runoff election, and the ongoing negotiation of the critical Bilateral Security Agreement to define the involvements and commitments of the United States following the end of 2014.

Maloney met primarily with senior U.S. military officers and American and Afghan military troops in Kabul and Bagram Air Field. In addition, members visited Malalai Maternity Hospital, a USAID-supported women’s hospital where they had a roundtable discussion with newly trained midwives.

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