WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement:
“Over the last 20 years, American warfighters have fought, bled, and died to build a lasting democracy in Afghanistan. As the United States withdraws after two decades of combat operations, we owe it to all those who served and sacrificed to leave in a dignified manner with our successes left intact, at the very least.
“Unfortunately, how President Biden has executed this withdrawal can neither be described as successful nor dignified. Already, the Taliban have taken control of two-thirds of Afghanistan. As their advance continues, the Taliban carry out a campaign of terror, executing civilians, maiming others, taking girls out of school, and forcing women to marry Taliban fighters.
“To escape such atrocities, many civilians have sought refuge in the capital of Kabul. Should Kabul fall, as many fear it will, Afghan civilians will suffer the brutal consequences of President Biden’s failure.
“Despite being in the midst of such a dire situation, President Biden has left for vacation, even as 3,000 American servicemen and women head into harm's way to evacuate civilians from Afghanistan.
“Now is not the time for a vacation. President Biden must act like the Commander and Chief that the Armed Forces and American People need right now. We all, the Armed Forces, Congress, and the American People, deserve to know his plan to withdraw from Afghanistan while maintaining the dignity of the United States and preventing the Taliban from committing further atrocities. I urge President Biden to release such a plan immediately. And if no such plan exists, then Congress deserves to know why.”
