Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, released the following statement on the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan:
“I am deeply troubled by what has transpired in Afghanistan over the course of the last two weeks. Of paramount concern is the continued safety and security of American citizens-including the 6,000 servicemembers who have deployed to the region-as well as the tens of thousands of Afghan nationals who served alongside U.S. forces and whose lives are now in imminent danger.
“The Taliban’s return to power will likely have grave consequences for our national security interests and the people of Afghanistan. I urge President Biden to make clear to the Taliban that the United States expects them to uphold the human rights and dignity of all Afghans-especially women, girls, and ethnic minorities-and to deny safe haven to al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations, or face swift and crippling consequences.
“Make no mistake, the timeline to end U.S. involvement in Afghanistan was set in motion by the Trump Administration when it agreed to withdraw U.S. forces. Its so-called ‘peace agreement’ with the Taliban left President Biden with no good options. It is the height of hypocrisy for those who praised former President Trump for ending America’s ‘forever wars’ to now place sole responsibility for the overthrow of the Afghan Government at President Biden’s feet.
“At this difficult moment, my thoughts are with the thousands of U.S. service members, veterans, and their families, who have served in Afghanistan during the past two decades. Our nation remains grateful for their courage and sacrifices."
