WASHINGTON (AP), Two members of Congress flew into Kabul Airport unannounced in the middle Tuesday's chaotic evacuation. This stunned the State Department and U.S military personnel, who had to divert resources to ensure security and information for the lawmakers.
Officials claimed that Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.) arrived on a charter plane and remained at Kabul's airport for several hours. Officials were concerned that they might have taken seats that could have been given to Afghans fleeing their country. However, the congressmen stated in a joint statement that the flight was empty.
The two stated that as Members of Congress, they have a duty and responsibility to oversee the executive branch. To minimize disruption and risk, we conducted the visit secretly, speaking only about it after our departure. We were there to collect information, not grandstand.
Meijer is an Army veteran who served in Iraq. Later, Meijer did humanitarian aid-related work for a nongovernmental organization in Afghanistan. He helped to deliver emergency aid to aid workers following kidnappings and targeted murders. Moulton was a Marine Corps veteran in Iraq.
Two people familiar with the matter said that the State Department, Defense Department, and White House were outraged at the incident. They claimed that there was no coordination with military commanders or diplomats who directed the evacuation.
Video: Kabul Airport, gunfire and crying children
More: Chaos at Kabul airport raises questions about U.S. evacuation effort
According to officials, the U.S. military learned about the visit while the lawmakers aircraft was heading to Kabul. Officials spoke under condition of anonymity in order to discuss ongoing military operations.
According to a senior U.S. official, the administration considered the visit unhelpful. Other officials claimed that the visit was seen as a distraction by troops and commanders at airport who are racing against time in an effort to evacuate as many Americans as possible.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a statement Tuesday evening, taking note of the desire of certain legislators to travel to Afghanistan. She also stated that she was writing to remind that the Departments of Defense and State have asked that members not travel to Afghanistan and other areas during times of danger. The U.S. military on ground in Afghanistan must be focused and attentive to ensure the timely and safe evacuation of all those at risk.
The Pentagon has expressed concern about security threats to Kabul by the Islamic State group. Over the past 20 years, members of Congress have often traveled to war zones. Their visits are usually planned in advance and coordinated with officials on ground to ensure their safety.
Recent news on Afghanistan: Biden states that the US is 'on a Pace' for August 31 withdrawal; Taliban block Afghans at airport
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden stated that he will not miss his deadline of Aug. 31 for the completion of the dangerous airlift to flee Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The ongoing IS threat to the airport was a major reason for Biden's delay. It is well-known that the Islamic State group Afghanistan affiliate has been known to carry out suicide attacks against civilians.
Two congressmen stated that they came to Washington to press the president for an extension of the deadline on August 31st. Talking with the commanders on ground, and looking at the situation, it became clear that we will not get everyone out by September 11th because we started the evacuation too late.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY. Two members of Congress fly to Kabul amid chaos evacuation
