August 16, 2021

Rep. Gallego Statement on Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego issued the following statement on the situation in Afghanistan:

"As a combat veteran of the Iraq war, I am heartbroken by the events unfolding in Kabul. The resurgence of the Taliban is a tragedy for the Afghan people and is incredibly difficult to watch for the many American servicemembers who served and who lost friends during the mission in Afghanistan. It also sadly underlines the reality that after twenty years, four U.S. presidents and the expenditure of significant resources, the conditions for a peaceful and stable Afghan state could not be created."

"Our attention now must be laser-focused on immediately seeking out and evacuating all U.S. citizens, Afghan allies of U.S. forces, and Afghan citizens most threatened by the Taliban. The danger that faces these individuals and their families if we fail to act quickly cannot be overstated. America and our allies across the world can and must welcome these Afghan refugees who stood by us when we needed them the most."

"Not only do we have a moral imperative to help those who helped us in Afghanistan, but America must show the world and future allies and partners that we stick by our friends and keep our promises no matter how dire the circumstances. I will continue to do everything within my power to ensure that no bureaucracy stands in the way of saving lives as U.S. forces complete their drawdown in Afghanistan."

Rep. Ruben Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee, and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

###