My weekly column: Americans deserve the truth about the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan
More than three years ago, the world watched in horror as President Biden – in conjunction with Vice President Harris and advisors on his national security team – orchestrated the botched and disorganized withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. This colossal failure of leadership cost the lives of 13 brave American servicemembers, portrayed weakness on the global stage, and left more than $7 billion in U.S. military equipment behind, which has since fallen into the hands of the Taliban. The entire operation was an embarrassment and is a stain on the already poor record of the Biden-Harris administration.
Following the catastrophic exit, I immediately called for a comprehensive investigation to get answers for the families of the fallen and ensure accountability for those at the highest levels of government. Yet, to date, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and other key officials have relentlessly stonewalled congressional inquiries and requests – leaving the American people in the dark about the deadliest attack in Afghanistan in more than a decade. That’s why House Republicans have made an ironclad commitment to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and uncovering the truth about the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan.
On September 10th of this year, congressional leadership posthumously awarded the 13 servicemembers who tragically lost their lives during the chaotic withdrawal with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest accolade that Congress can give. In August of 2021, I cosponsored legislation to ensure that these incredible heroes received the gratitude of our entire nation, and I’m glad to see this important recognition come to fruition.
The other week, I also helped introduce the No More Taxpayer Cash for the Taliban Act in response to recent reports from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction that nearly $3 billion in cash has gone from the United Nations to Afghanistan – which is now under the control of the Taliban. This legislation implements guardrails and strengthens oversight to prevent federal agencies from giving the United Nations dollars for direct cash assistance in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. We cannot allow carelessness with taxpayer dollars to fund terrorism. There is no excuse for any money to fall into the hands of the Taliban, and this legislation will promote rigorous oversight of our taxpayer dollars and protect our national security.
The Biden-Harris administration’s reckless and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan has emboldened terrorists and our foreign adversaries across the globe. We must continue to advocate for full transparency and a robust investigation into this botched evacuation that left 13 of our heroes dead and our allies abandoned. For our entire country, and especially the families and loved ones still experiencing unthinkable heartbreak, we have a responsibility and an obligation to find the facts and deliver real answers – now.