DeLauro Statement on President Biden’s Plan for Departure of U.S. Troops from Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement after President Biden announced that all U.S. troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021:

"I applaud President Biden's announcement today to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The American military presence in Afghanistan has spanned 20 years and thousands of brave American men and women have perished in what has been the longest war in our history. Through our troops' service, sacrifice, and dedication, they have accomplished the original mission that they were given. Al Qaeda has been severely weakened in Afghanistan, and Osama Bin Laden—the perpetrator of the horrific September 11th attacks—was brought to justice.

"I have called on previous administrations to bring our troops home because neither they nor the American people signed up for an endless war, and Congress has not authorized such activity, as is our constitutional duty. Today's announcement comes at the conclusion of a vigorous review of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan conducted by President Biden, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley.

"I am confident that the Biden Administration's plan will succeed and provide the critical oversight, in conjunction with Congress, to ensure the work we have accomplished in Afghanistan remains in place for years to come."

DeLauro voted against the Iraq War in 2002 and has voted for the repeal of the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations of Use of Military Force (AUMFs). She traveled to Afghanistan in 2011, 2016, and 2018.