Press Releases
Afghanistan Is Joe Biden’s Saigon
Washington, DC,
August 13, 2021
Below are statements from Leader Kevin McCarthy, Representative Michael McCaul, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Mike Rogers, the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, regarding President Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
FROM LEADER MCCARTHY:
“For 20 years, our troops have endured months-long deployments, hardships, and time away from their families to serve their country during tours of combat in Afghanistan. They dutifully responded to the call of service, and bravely fought to protect our national interests abroad. For far too many, that sacrifice meant life-altering injuries, and some even paid the ultimate sacrifice with their own lives.
"It should have been the government’s responsibility to execute a responsible exit as we withdrew the remaining forces from the country. But in a matter of months, the Biden administration has led a botched withdrawal process that has now predictably handed an entire country over to terrorists.
"President Biden must immediately focus all efforts on making sure there is a plan to safely extract all American service members and civilians still remaining in Afghanistan. He also owes the American public an answer on what he plans to do to make sure the region doesn’t turn into a breeding ground for more violent extremism that will lead to large-scale global attacks of terrorism.”
FROM REP. MCCAUL:
“I am shocked and extremely concerned by reports of President Biden’s decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by September. This will mean we are not leaving a residual force to address the counterterrorism threats emanating from Afghanistan, abandoning our Afghan partners during critical peace negotiations, and allowing the Taliban a total victory despite their failure to fulfill their commitments under our agreement. This premature withdrawal shows a complete disregard for the realities on the ground, and will not only put Afghans at risk, but endanger the lives of U.S. citizens at home and abroad. I have urgently requested details on this decision and strongly urge the President to reconsider.”
FROM REP. ROGERS:
“For months, I have pressed President Biden for a plan to avoid the very situation that is now happening in Afghanistan. Now, American lives are at risk because President Biden still doesn’t have a plan. Weeks ago, President Biden promised the American people that we would not have a Saigon moment in Afghanistan – Now, we are watching President Biden’s Saigon moment unfold before us.
“The turmoil happening in Afghanistan is a surprise to no one. Unfortunately, I believe the worst is yet to come.
“Our allies are watching as Afghanistan rapidly deteriorates and President Biden still claims he does not regret his unconditional withdrawal. Make no mistake, the consequences of President Biden’s haphazard withdrawal will be felt for decades.
“All we needed was a plan to avoid this very moment. Mr. President, where is the plan?”
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