WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chairs Emeriti Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), Deputy Chair Rep. Katie Porter (CA-45), and Whip Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), issued the following statement following remarks from President Biden on ongoing U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“We commend President Biden for fulfilling his commitment to ending the longest war in American history, making it clear that there is no military solution in Afghanistan. This tragic war has claimed the lives of thousands of American servicemembers and countless Afghans. It has also distracted the United States from urgent domestic and international challenges, and it is past time to bring our troops home.
“After nearly two decades of prolonged military occupation, we cannot easily discharge our responsibilities in Afghanistan. The U.S. must support peace and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, and we encourage the Biden administration to quickly put in place a multilateral diplomatic strategy for an inclusive, intra-Afghan process to bring about a sustainable peace. It is also imperative that Congress and the administration resettle Afghans who worked with U.S. forces, in addition to their families.
“We commend President Biden and Secretary Austin for listening to the American people and standing up to the voices that want to sustain endless war. The Progressive Caucus is committed to learning the lessons of Afghanistan by rebalancing our national security posture to emphasize diplomacy, and reasserting congressional war powers where military force is necessary. We look forward to working with the Biden administration on these goals.”
