Griffith Statement on Afghanistan

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement regarding the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan:

“While I have supported an orderly withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan, President Biden and his Administration have botched America’s exit. The problem was not withdrawing American troops, but that the President’s team did not have an adequate plan to see it through.

“Due to a gross misjudgment by the Administration, we now have Americans and Afghan allies who are unnecessarily in harm’s way. It has been necessary to deploy additional troops to address the chaotic situation in Kabul.

“Congress knew this would not be a seamless exit and passed legislation to help better prepare for the transition. As early as June 29, I voted to streamline the visa process.

“On Sunday, I participated in a Members-only call with top Administration officials. On that call, I learned that not all the visas for those Afghans who served alongside our personnel had been processed. Why on earth would the President remove troops before guaranteeing the airport and embassy would continue to be secure, the visas were processed, and US nationals and allied Afghans were safely evacuated?”

* Congressman Griffith issued this statement before President Biden gave his remarks at 4pm EST and it remains unchanged.