West STL News

Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement regarding the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s report on the Afghanistan withdrawal.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris allowed the Taliban to take over Afghanistan, caused 13 brave Americans to lose their lives, and they don’t even have the basic decency to acknowledge their own failures or take accountability for their actions. The Administration’s reckless and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan set American foreign policy back a generation. Their lack of leadership is a flashing siren to our enemies that America doesn’t have the backbone to fight back against dictatorships and stand up for what is right,” Wagner stated.

Wagner further criticized the Administration's handling of the situation: “Today’s report made clear the Administration cares more about optics than the safety of Americans and our allies. At every step of this investigation, they have stonewalled and prevented the American people from learning the full extent of the truth. This selfish behavior is disqualifying not just for the leader of the free world, but also those under him who allowed this chaotic withdrawal to occur. President Biden and Vice President Harris owe the American people, the families of the 13 Americans killed at Abbey Gate, and our Afghan allies a full and transparent explanation of this irresponsible withdrawal. Unfortunately, they will not do so because they clearly care more about protecting the President’s fragile ego than doing what is right. This Administration’s actions throughout this investigation are shameful and an embarrassment to our entire nation.”

The full report can be accessed online.