Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the Army's announcement of an accelerated drawdown of 40,000 troops:

"President Obama's decision to accelerate the drawdown of 40,000 active-duty Army troops is a dangerous and unwise gamble-one that America cannot afford to take. From Russian aggression in Ukraine to the Islamic State's barbaric rampage across the Middle East, the threats we face today are more dangerous than ever. And we're on the brink of reaching a deal that would allow the world's biggest state sponsor of terrorism to maintain their nuclear program. In light of the concessions we've already made in these negotiations, the ayatollahs in Iran who lead chants of "Death to America!" are likely celebrating this news today.

"Worse, this accelerated drawdown comes amid President Obama's threat to veto the National Defense Authorization Act and Senate Democrats blockade of the Defense Appropriations bill. What kind of message does this send to our troops who sacrifice so much in defense of our freedom, let alone our enemies around the world? The best way to avoid war is to be willing and prepared to fight war and to elect leaders who are willing to put safety and security ahead of politics and their own agenda. I urge President Obama to stop this drawdown and support the military funding America needs. "