Murkowski on Situation in Afghanistan
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement on Afghanistan:
“I have been closely watching the rapidly deteriorating situation unfolding in Afghanistan. It is clear that conditions have quickly turned from a controlled withdrawal to a full-on emergency. I am gravely concerned for the Americans that remain on the ground, embassy staff, Afghans that have helped the U.S. Government, and the millions of innocent Afghans—particularly Afghan women and girls who are experiencing unimaginable violence at the hands of the Taliban.
“I have never supported an endless war in Afghanistan and have called for our troops to eventually return home, but this was not the responsible way to leave the country nor was it even the manner the President’s own advisors recommended. Recently, Congress passed supplemental appropriations to support increased demands on the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program with the belief this Administration had a viable plan in place in Afghanistan. This was clearly not the case. We have now reached an outcome that no one wanted or hoped for. As Leader McConnell recently stated, “this debacle was not only foreseeable, but foreseen.”
“My message to President Biden is this: When you address the nation today, we need to hear not only an update on the situation, but your plan to keep Americans safe, both at home and abroad. Three previous American presidents have borne the burden of commanding this war. This is undoubtedly not an easy task, but it is an incredible responsibility endowed to the President of the United States and the leader of the free world. Right now, thousands of American veterans and their families are wondering if their service and sacrifice was in vain. American citizens are wondering what your plan is to ensure Afghanistan will not again become be a safe haven for terrorists. And, millions of Afghans, now without a president of their own or a viable army to defend them, are wondering what will come of their country and the rights of women and children under Taliban rule. Simply put, your words matter.”
