Letter from the President Regarding the Report to Congress on Afghanistan-Pakistan Policy

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE
HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERSHIP, AND THE CHAIRMEN AND
RANKING MEMBERS OF HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEES

Dear Mr. Chairman: (Dear Madam Chairman:)
(Dear Representative:) (Dear Senator:)

In response to the requirement of section 1117 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 111-32, the “Act”), and in order to keep the Congress fully informed, I am providing the attached report related to Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is the second report submitted under section 1117 of the Act and follows my March 2010 submission.

As I wrote in March, my Administration completed a thorough policy review last November, and I announced a new approach at West Point on December 1, 2009. As you are aware, I named and the Senate approved General David Petraeus to lead our military efforts in Afghanistan. Beyond that change, we are continuing to implement the policy as described in December and do not believe further adjustments are required at this time. Consistent with the Act and given the time necessary to accumulate data, the attached report covers the period ending June 30, 2010. To the extent possible, the report provides an update on our assessment since that date.

As the Congress continues its deliberations on the way ahead in Afghanistan and Pakistan, I want to continue to underscore our Nation’s interests in the successful implementation of this policy.

Sincerely,
BARACK OBAMA