Dem says Obama 'stretching the intent' of Congress on Afghanistan

An anti-war Democrat today blasted President Obama's decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, saying the president is exceeding what Congress had authorized when it voted to send troops to the country in 2001.

Appeearing on ABC's Topline, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said the mission Obama outlined last night has little resemblance to what he voted for in 2001.

"He's kind of stretched, if you will, the intent of congress," McGovern said, arguing that Al Qaeda has largely left Afghanistan and that nation building was not part of the original plan.

"I do not think it's in our national interest to send 30,000 troops to Afgahinstan to do nation building with a corrupt government," McGovern added.

McGovern said the president should submit a request for additional funds to Congress and allow the legislative branch to have an up or down vote on approving the troops.

"We're almost bankrupt, how many wars can we fight at the same time?" McGovern asked.

While the president has said troops will start withdrawing in 2011, McGovern said he expects that date to be pushed back significantly.

"I envision American troops in Afghanistan a lot longer than 2011," he said.