WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gallagher (R-WI) today released the following statement after the Biden Administration ended its evacuation in Afghanistan and left hundreds of Americans stranded behind enemy lines.
“Last week, House Republicans united behind my bill to ensure no American would be stranded in Afghanistan. Democrats declined to even consider this legislation, and less than a week later, our fears were realized: hundreds of Americans and thousands of our Afghan allies have been left behind enemy lines. This is not a mission accomplished, this is a complete disgrace.
“Speaker Pelosi must immediately reconvene Congress so that we can hold this administration accountable and save lives. I will be introducing additional legislation tomorrow that helps achieve this and urge every single one of my colleagues to support this measure. Our fellow citizens are stranded and subject to the goodwill of the Taliban. Shame on us if we do nothing and sit on the sidelines.”
Background:
Last week, Rep. Gallagher introduced H.R. 5071, which would have required daily reporting to Congress on the number of Americans left in the country, the number of Afghan allies seeking refuge, and cases of the Taliban detaining these individuals or otherwise preventing them from leaving. It would also have prohibited the President from withdrawing American forces from Afghanistan until all Americans who wish to leave are safely out. House Democrats unanimously rejected this legislation to consider the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package.
