Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) released the following statement on the failed withdrawal from Afghanistan and the resulting devastation as the Taliban takes over Afghanistan:

“Since the day President Biden announced his decision to unconditionally and with a set date withdraw our troops from Afghanistan, I have said the decision was a deadly mistake that would embolden terrorist organizations like the Taliban and only grow the Global War on Terror. Over recent days we have seen the Taliban swiftly seize control of the country, now overtaking the capital city of Kabul. The President’s ill-planned withdrawal was a gift to the Taliban that has put our Afghan allies and Americans within Afghanistan’s borders directly in harm’s way.

“For the last 20 years, Americans have fought to prevent the Taliban from seizing control of Afghanistan. As someone who has personally fought that mission and served in combat in the Middle East, I understand the situation at hand and why withdrawing our troops unconditionally with a set date was a reckless, deadly decision. I know the important role that our allies in Afghanistan played in protecting U.S. troops and journalists. I am heartbroken to see the devastation the ill-planned withdrawal has caused.

“Not only did the Biden administration’s decision cost lives and embolden terrorist organizations, but the administration has woefully failed to mitigate the foreseeable devastation the botched withdrawal caused. 

“My office is actively working multiple cases to assist in the evacuation of our Afghan allies who have served alongside U.S. troops and journalists. While we are doing everything in our power to help these people, the State Department has not only been slow to respond but the information we receive has been minimal. The Biden administration should have foreseen this problem ahead of the withdrawal and been better prepared to clean up the mess they knew they would create.

“As Americans shelter in place in Afghanistan, the Biden administration is sitting on their hands. This is a nightmare situation. Non-U.S. citizens who have aided our nation will likely not survive if they do not have assistance in fleeing the country. The President’s recent announcement to send more troops back to Afghanistan to assist in evacuations is overdue – and we must pray it is not too little, too late.

“President Biden has failed to lead. Instead of offering real solutions, he just blames his predecessor. The American people deserve answers and action from President Biden. He must deliver a comprehensive plan on how he plans to secure our border and prevent terrorist organizations like the Taliban from being further emboldened. He must also provide a comprehensive plan on how he will ensure the safety of all U.S. citizens within Afghanistan as well as our Afghan allies. Inaction is inexcusable – this is a life-or-death situation for thousands. May God bless and protect the Americans and Afghan allies who are currently fighting for survival. I will do everything in my power to assist these men and women.”