Udall Still Doubtful on Surge

WASHINGTON — Sen. Tom Udall, who last year opposed President Obama’s decision to deploy 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, said this week he remained skeptical that the troop buildup would work.

Udall’s comment followed his trips to Pakistan and Afghanistan during Congress’ Easter recess.

The New Mexico Democrat spoke to New Mexico reporters in a conference call and said he’s impressed with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, and the work of U.S. troops, but worries that the Afghan government isn’t pulling its weight. Udall visited the two war-torn nations as part of a congressional delegation trip to the region.

“I’m concerned with the reliability of our partner in the region and the tremendous human military and financial cost of an openended commitment; there fore, I remain skeptical of a continued buildup,” Udall said. “I’m unconvinced that sending 30,000 more troops into harm’s way improves the situation of advances our national security interests. The reality on the ground is that building Afghanistan is a monumental effort. We can’t do it all and the more we do, the more dependent they (the Afghan government) become.”

Udall said the U.S. should do what it can to defeat al-Qaida and the Taliban, but should also insist on an equal partnership with Afghan troops.

McChrystal said Afghan soldiers are “much more effective” when going into a local community because they speak the language and understand customs, Udall said.

“Whenever we have the locals working with us, we make fewer mistakes,” Udall said.

Udall urged President Obama to stick with his stated time frame for withdrawing U.S. troops by July 2011.

JOBS FOR VETS:

American soldiers returning from overseas could get a leg up on the competition for energy jobs under a bill sponsored by Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M., that has passed the House.

The Energy Jobs for Veterans Act has been referred to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. The legislation would establish programs to provide to veterans on-the-job training, apprenticeship, real experience and long-term employment in all energy fields. The legislation would be funded by competitive federal grants.

Energy employers would be reimbursed for apprenticeship and on-the-job training they provide to veterans under the legislation. Qualifying sectors include oil and gas, energy-efficient construction and retrofitting, renewable electric power, biofuel production, energy-efficiency assessment and nuclear power industries.

“This bill would ensure that those who fought for their country abroad would be able to continue their work for the security of our country when they return home — by getting a job, and a career, producing our energy right here in America,” said Teague, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.