ASHLAND, KY – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks regarding Afghanistan today at an event hosted by the Ashland Alliance – the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Agency for Boyd and Greenup Counties:
“This was a disgraceful and disastrous departure that will allow the Taliban and Al Qaeda to celebrate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 by having complete control of Afghanistan.
“Two weeks ago, President Biden specifically promised he wouldn’t pull out before every American who wanted out had gotten out. By their own admission, the Biden Administration has now broken that promise. They’ve abandoned Americans and Afghan partners who wanted to get out but hadn’t been able to make the dangerous journey to the airport. These individuals are now at the mercy of the Taliban.
“President Biden’s reckless withdrawal has created a humanitarian disaster and emboldened the terrorists. The plight of innocent Afghans and the threats to our American homeland and American interests are going to grow and grow.
“We are less safe as a result of this self-inflicted wound.
“And this fight will not end just because our politicians want to wish it away.”