Topline
After two lawmakers were reported to have traveled for hours to the region, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told members of the House not to travel to Afghanistan.
UNITED STATES - 21 JULY: Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Mich., was interviewed by CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. (Photo by Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images. CQ-Roll Call, Inc Via Getty Images.
The Key Facts
Pelosi wrote to House Members, stating that the desire to travel to Afghanistan by some members is understandable and reflects our high priority for the lives of the people there. He also noted that the State and Defense Departments have advised against Americans traveling to Afghanistan and that such trips would unnecessarily divert resources from efforts to evacuate Americans and Afghans. After Reps. Seth Moulton, (D-Mass.), sent the letter, Pelosi said that they received it from their colleagues. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Peter Meijer, R-Mich., stated in a joint statement that they made a secret trip into Kabul to oversee the evacuation efforts. According to the Associated Press and Washington Post, the visit of the lawmakers angered officials at the State and Defense Departments. One official said that the lawmakers were on a secret trip to Kabul to oversee the evacuation effort.
Important Background
Both parties' lawmakers have criticised the Biden administration for the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in Afghanistan. Several House Democrats called Tuesday for President Joe Biden’s extension of the Aug. 31 deadline to withdraw all U.S troops from Afghanistan. This was in response to fears that not all Americans or Afghans will be able to make it out on time.
Big Number
70,700. This is how many Afghans have been evacuated since August 14, when the Taliban took Kabul.
Important Quote
We've already had gunfighting break out. Gunfighting has already broken out.
Chief Critic
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D.Calif.), tweeted her response to the news about Meijer's and Moultons visits.
