Relative to the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan.
HR 76 calls for the state Assembly to reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding all Americans still stranded in Afghanistan, along with those who have aided U.S. military efforts. The resolution stresses that there should be no acceptable number of Americans left behind in a hostile environment and calls for actions to ensure their safe return. Moreover, it recounts the plight of vulnerable groups, including at least 1,000 children who are U.S. citizens or children of Special Immigrant Visa holders still trapped in Afghanistan, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention.
House Resolution No. 76, introduced by Assembly Member Mathis along with coauthors Assembly Members Choi and Voepel, addresses the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan that occurred on August 31, 2021. The resolution emphasizes the chaotic evacuation efforts in Kabul following the Taliban's takeover and highlights the tragic consequences of these events, including the deaths of 13 American servicemembers and nearly 200 Afghan civilians in a terrorist attack claimed by ISIS-K. The document underscores the failure of the federal government to protect American citizens and their allies during this tumultuous period.
While this resolution represents a call to action aimed at government accountability, it also raises significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of evacuation policies and the planning executed by the federal government. Critics argue that the lack of foresight and organized evacuation strategies has put countless lives at risk, particularly those of individuals who provided critical support to American forces. By documenting these failures, HR 76 serves as a platform for advocating for better preparedness in future military withdraws, aiming to prevent similar crises in subsequent operations.