But the Republican congressman, like many GOP supporters of the troop increase, said he has "many questions" about Obama's timetable for bringing the troops back home — specifically "whether or not this emboldens our enemies and disheartens our troops."

Obama set a July 2011 timeline for beginning to bring American forces home. The strategy also calls for an increase of the number of U.S. troops there to 100,000 by next summer, marking the largest expansion of the war since it began eight years ago.

The new strategy also relies on a pledge by NATO to commit an additional 5,000 to 7,000 troops.

Pitts, who represents Lancaster County in the House, said in a statement that it is "imperative to demonstrate a strong commitment to Afghanistan and provide strong global leadership against terrorism. The president's decision to authorize 30,000 more troops will certainly aid our efforts in the region."

"However, I have many questions regarding the president's mention of a timetable for withdrawal and whether or not this emboldens our enemies and disheartens our troops," Pitts added in the statement.

Pitts also said in his statement that he wants "to ensure that we have all the resources needed to succeed and to fully protect our men and women in uniform, and I look forward to hearing directly from our Afghanistan commander, Gen. McChrystal, when he testifies on Capitol Hill."

Democratic U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, meantime, said he opposes sending more troops "because I am not persuaded that it is indispensable in our fight against al-Qaida."

"If it was, I would support an increase because we have to do whatever it takes to defeat al-Qaida since they're out to annihilate us," Specter, Pennsylvania's senior U.S. senator, said in a statement. "But if al-Qaida can operate out of Yemen or Somalia, why fight in Afghanistan where no one has succeeded?"

Specter said he disagrees with Obama that the United States will be able to transfer responsibility to Afghanistan after 18 months and that NATO allies will make a significant contribution.

"It is unrealistic to expect the United States to be out in 18 months so there is really no exit strategy," Specter said. "This venture is not worth so many American lives or the billions it will add to our deficit."

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Pennsylvania's junior senator, was vague about whether he supports sending more troops to Afghanistan. He said he needs to study the plan further.

Casey did call for "an equal, if not greater, commitment from the Afghan government. Ultimately, the responsibility of defeating this unpopular insurgency lies with the Afghan government and its efforts to build up its army and police."

tmurse@lnpnews.com