WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on a public summary of President Biden’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal released by the White House. 

“The public summary on the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal released by the Biden White House today is a spineless piece of fiction. It predictably blames the Trump administration and disgracefully blames senior military advisors and the Intelligence Community for President Biden’s decisions. President Biden conducted this withdrawal, and President Biden needs to accept responsibility for the tragedy that occurred. 

“We know for a fact President Biden’s top military advisors warned him against leaving Afghanistan – he ignored their advice. It’s shocking and disgusting that the President is trying to pin the blame for his horrendous failures on our brave men and women in uniform.

“President Biden cannot rewrite history to avoid accountability for his own actions.”

Background: 

• September 29^th, 2021: In response to a question from then Ranking Member Mike Rogers (R-AL) General McKenzie said, "My view was that we needed to maintain 2,500 [troops in Afghanistan] and we needed to work with our coalition partners."

• September 28^th, 2021: General Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee he agreed with General McKenzie’s recommendation that the U.S. should maintain 2,500 troops in Afghanistan.

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