Congressman hosts online discussion on Afghanistan trip

A Democratic lawmaker on Tuesday announced he is traveling to Afghanistan this month and is hosting a Facebook discussion forum about his trip.

Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) took to Twitter, linking the discussion for his followers:

This month I will travel to Afghanistan to meet w/ troops & see the ground situation. Visit our Facebook discussion http://bit.ly/8GfnoF

Lawmakers who use Twitter often link items from their Facebook page to theit Twitter accounts in order to expand their reach.

In a statement, Higgins said he is "skeptical" of the reported troop increase President Barack Obama will announce Tuesday night in a primetime address.

"Rather than pour billions more into this conflict, I’d prefer we rededicate these funds toward some nation-building here at home," he added.

Higgins --who represents the Buffalo, N.Y. area -- posted the "discussion" to Facebook 25 minutes ago. Two Facebook fans have indicated they "like" the note by clicking a link that shows their support, but none have commented thus far.