Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel L. Davis recently made credible allegations that U.S. military leaders have given Congress and the public a misleading portrayal of progress in the war in Afghanistan. At the risk of his career, he briefed Members of Congress and the press on his dire assessment of the war. Now, there is the chance to do a lot of good in advancing oversight of the war in Afghanistan—but only if Congress takes action.

Join POGO and Members of Congress in requesting hearings on Davis’s disclosures

POGO and a bipartisan group of six Members of Congress have sent letters requesting that Davis be invited to testify in hearings by the relevant committees: the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees. Legislators who have read the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) for December 2011—a document prepared by the Director of National Intelligence—say that it supports Davis’s assessment. It is important for the public to see how this report from the intelligence community matches up with Davis’s allegations. It should be declassified, as other NIEs have been in the past.

Tell the Committees to hold hearings on Davis’s disclosures and invite him to testify

As the U.S. commits to another year of funding to the war in Afghanistan, the public and Congress deserve an honest assessment of the contingency effort. Congress and the White House should uphold their duty to conduct oversight by holding hearings on Davis’s disclosures and demanding the NIE be declassified. Take action today!

(SOURCE: Project On Government Oversight)