Katko Statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Kabul

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Rep. John Katko (R-NY), top Republican on the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in response to the terrorist attacks at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.

“Today is a dark day in U.S. history. Words cannot fully express my devastation over the loss of innocent lives in today’s attacks in Kabul. Our U.S. servicemembers put their lives on the line to carry out their mission under impossibly difficult circumstances. We are a nation indebted to them for their service and sacrifice to save thousands of lives. Our brave Marines were left exposed, relying on Taliban forces to provide security, while executing an incredibly heroic and challenging humanitarian mission of unprecedented magnitude. Let’s be clear: we cannot trust the Taliban with American lives.

“As Americans prepare to reflect on the pain, loss, and devastation of the 20^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11^th that still shake us to the core, we now grieve a significant, yet avoidable, loss for our nation.

“The deadliest day for U.S. troops in Afghanistan since 2011 didn’t just happen by accident. It didn’t blindside us. It was the direct result of horribly misguided decisions from President Biden. This demands painful accountability. I promise that the Committee on Homeland Security will be actively gathering answers for the families of these servicemembers and the American people. Our Commander in Chief has been missing in action and has failed to rise to this pivotal moment in our history. Americans deserve real leadership, not hollow rhetoric.”