FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 15, 2021
Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the American Forces Going Home After Noble (AFGHAN) Service Act to end America’s longest war and provide bonuses to those who have deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. This legislation also empowers America to redirect the savings from ending nation-building in Afghanistan to the country’s needs at home.

The United States has been at war in Afghanistan since October 2001, where it has cost $2 trillion. We completed our mission long ago, Osama Bin Laden was killed in 2011, and Al Qaeda is all but eliminated from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, there have been over 2,300 military members killed and another 20,000 wounded in action.

“Endless war weakens our national security, robs this and future generations through skyrocketing debt, and creates more enemies to threaten us. For over 19 years, our soldiers have gone above and beyond what has been asked of them in Afghanistan. It is time to declare the victory we achieved long ago, bring our troops home, and put America’s needs first,” said Dr. Paul.

Within 45 days, a plan will be formulated for an orderly withdrawal and turnover of facilities to the Afghan Government, while also setting a framework for political reconciliation to be implemented by Afghans in accordance with the Afghan Constitution. Within a year, all US forces will be withdrawn from Afghanistan.

The AFGHAN Service Act

• Declares victory in Afghanistan. The masterminds of the 9/11 attack are no longer capable of carrying out such an attack from Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden was killed in 2011, and Al Qaeda has been all but eliminated from Afghanistan.

• Pays, within one year, a $2,500 bonus to all members of the military who have served in the Global War on Terrorism. Since 2001, more than 3,002,635 men and women have deployed overseas in support of this effort. This would be a one-time cost of approximately $7 billion and an immediate savings of over 83% when compared to the current yearly costs. The $51 billion a year can be redirected to domestic priorities.

• Additionally, there is precedent for service bonuses going back to the Revolutionary War.

• Sets guidelines for withdrawal. Within 45 days, a plan will be formulated for an orderly withdrawal and turnover of facilities to the Afghan Government, while also setting a framework for political reconciliation to be implemented by Afghans in accordance with the Afghan Constitution. Within a year, all U.S. forces will be withdrawn from Afghanistan.

• At the completion of withdrawal, the 2001 AUMF will be repealed.

You can read the entire AFGHAN Service Act, HERE.

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