Families of U.S. military personnel who died during the evacuation in Kabul spoke with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) to reporters about the committee’s report on Afghanistan and the three-year history of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Hear them talk about their findings. Afghanistan, Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
More than three years ago, the world watched in horror as President Biden, along with Vice President Harris and advisers on his national security team, engineered a failed and chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. . This grave failure of leadership claimed the lives of 13 brave American service members, highlighted our weakness on the world stage, and left over $7 billion in American military equipment, which was then taken into the hands of the Taliban. Crossed. The entire operation was disgraceful and a stain on the already poor record of the Biden-Harris administration.
After the devastating defection, I immediately called for a comprehensive investigation to obtain answers for the families of the fallen and ensure accountability at the highest levels of government. But to date, President Biden, Vice President Harris and other key officials have relentlessly blocked Congressional investigations and requests, keeping the American public in the dark about the deadliest attack in Afghanistan in more than a decade. It remains wrapped. That’s why House Republicans made a firm commitment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and uncover the truth about the failed withdrawal from Afghanistan.
On September 10 of this year, Congressional leadership posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow, on the 13 service members who tragically lost their lives during the chaotic evacuation. In August 2021, I co-sponsored legislation to ensure these incredible heroes receive the gratitude of our entire nation. We are pleased to see this important recognition come to fruition.
Last week, I also helped introduce the No More Taxpayers’ Cash for the Taliban Act, following the recent report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction that nearly $3 billion in cash was leaked from the United Nations to Afghanistan. . Taliban rule. The law would put in place guardrails and strengthen oversight to prevent federal agencies from giving money to the United Nations for direct cash assistance to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. We cannot tolerate careless acts in which tax dollars are used to fund terrorism. There is no excuse for any funds falling into the hands of the Taliban, and this law will promote strict oversight of our taxes and protect our national security.
The Biden-Harris administration’s reckless and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan is emboldening terrorists and foreign adversaries around the world. We must continue to insist on full transparency and a thorough investigation into this botched evacuation that killed 13 heroes and abandoned our allies. We have a responsibility and obligation to our entire country, especially the families and loved ones who are still experiencing unthinkable heartbreak, to find the facts and provide real answers now.
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Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As of the end of my workday on September 27th, I will officially be leaving the State of Iowa and my employment with the State of Iowa.
Since joining the Marshalltown City Council, many area residents have asked me how things are going. I …
