The American people, U.S. troops, veterans, Gold Star families, as well as our allies and our adversaries, have all looked on as the Taliban quickly and effectively undermined the gains made by U.S. and Afghan military forces in Afghanistan in a matter of days.
Our rushed withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan without a plan to ensure stability in the region has created a national security and humanitarian crisis. As a result, we now have more US troops in the region than we had before the withdrawal and are scrambling to keep promises we made to the tens of thousands Afghan partners who helped us fight the Taliban.
We must ensure that Americans and our allies take our nation’s word seriously and know that promises made are promises kept. Unfortunately, if we leave Afghan partners and allies behind, we are sending the opposite message to them and nations around the world. We must do everything we can help evacuate U.S. citizens and our Afghan partners. We owe it to them to keep our word.
My colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I have been pressing the Biden administration for their plan to save Americans and our Afghan partners for months. I supported the House passage of the Allies Act in July which provided an additional 8,000 Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan citizens to come to the U.S. I also joined multiple letters to the Administration demanding answers on our plans for getting allied Afghans out of the country as soon as possible and an explanation on what led to the failures in Kabul.
My team is working with the State Department to help those with loved ones in Afghanistan. If you need help, please reach out to us at ca39casework@mail.house.gov.
It is impossible to imagine the emotions our veterans may be experiencing at this time. For those who understandably need some extra help, please do not hesitate to reach out. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 at the VA’s crisis line.
Call: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or Text: 838-255.
As we deploy more troops to Kabul to secure the airport, I am rallying with our troops and praying for their safe return home. We are the land of the free because of the brave.