A bill to establish a Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan to conduct a full investigation and compile a joint report on the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Impact
The creation of this Joint Committee represents a significant legislative step towards accountability in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the context of military operations and disaster evacuations. By requiring a report within 90 days of the committee's establishment, the bill emphasizes the need for transparency and detailed evaluation of past actions. The findings could influence future policies and military engagements, providing critical lessons learned from the Afghan experience. These insights may also guide Congress in addressing ongoing threats and managing relationships with foreign allies.
Summary
Senate Bill 170 aims to establish a Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This committee will compile a detailed report analyzing the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal, including decision-making processes, intelligence assessments leading up to the withdrawal, and the strategic outcomes of those decisions. The report is required to provide insights into the planning and execution of the withdrawal, as well as the implications for U.S. national security and its allies.
Contention
Discussion around SB170 may center on its perceived necessity and the implications of holding various government departments accountable, including the Defense and State Departments. There may be viewpoints emphasizing the need for such oversight, in contrast to arguments suggesting it could lead to politicization of military decisions. Additionally, some may raise concerns regarding the privacy and security of information related to sensitive military operations and intelligence assessments that the committee will delve into.
A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress classified dissent cables relating to the withdrawal of the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan.
A bill to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to identify and conduct recurrent vetting of evacuees from Afghanistan found not to be properly vetted before entering the United States.
Honoring the brave men and women who participated in the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021 following the United States withdrawal, for their extraordinary efforts and exceptional service in the safe evacuation of over 17,000 people from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of State to take certain actions for the declassification and publication of materials relating to the Afghanistan withdrawal, and for other purposes.
Establishing deadlines for the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to approve or deny the statue of the Reverend William Franklin "Billy" Graham, Jr., for placement in the National Statuary Hall.
Ensuring accountability for key officials in the Biden-Harris administration responsible for decisionmaking and execution failures throughout the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A joint resolution requiring the advice and consent of the Senate or an Act of Congress to suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty and authorizing related litigation, and for other purposes.
Expressing support for the people of Afghanistan, condemning the Taliban's assault on human rights and the specific targeting of women, girls, and members of religious and ethnic minorities, and expressing support for any Afghans who assisted in the United States mission in Afghanistan.
A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress classified dissent cables relating to the withdrawal of the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan.