Several members of Georgia’s congressional delegation have commented on this week’s terror in Afghanistan, and many of them criticized U.S. President Joe Biden for what they described as a weak response.
Twelve U.S. Marines died in explosions in Afghanistan, while the lives of thousands of Americans and allies within the country remained imperiled.
The Georgia Star News contacted every member of Georgia’s congressional delegation Friday. Several, but not all, responded.
U.S. Representative Rick Allen (R-GA-12), in an emailed statement, said Biden must make clear he will act and will not tolerate these attacks.
“Several thousand American citizens and allies still remain in immediate danger as they await evacuation out of Afghanistan, and my office has been in communication with hundreds of folks and working with the State Department to get them to safety,” Allen said.
“If you know someone currently stranded, please contact my Augusta office immediately.”
U.S. Representative Austin Scott (R-GA-08), on Facebook, said what happened was no intelligence failure.
“This was the end result of the refusal by President Biden and Secretary [of State Anthony] Blinken to accept the facts on the ground and the arrogance to maintain a failed course of action,” Scott wrote.
“This isn’t over. All Americans should be in prayer for the people in harm’s way.”
U.S. Representative Jody Hice (R-GA-10) said this week’s events were “gut-wrenching and should have been avoided.”
“Unfortunately, we have a president, vice president, and an entire administration missing in action. They must be held accountable for every single drop of blood spilled in their botched withdrawal,” Hice said.
“Americans, our men and women in uniform, and allies deserve better.”
Other Republican members of Georgia’s congressional delegation said the following:
• U.S. Representative Andrew Clyde (R-GA-09): “As a three-time combat veteran of Iraq and Kuwait, I resolutely believe the situation we are witnessing in Afghanistan is the worst betrayal of our service member’s sacrifices in a generation. The decisions leading to the fall of Afghanistan in a matter of days indicates a staggering failure of leadership from both our President and military commanders. We need leadership who can see the battlefield clearly and take appropriate action to preserve and prioritize our national security and the safety of American citizens. Neither Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin nor Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley have proved their competence to do either, which is why I have called for both of their resignations.”
• U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA-01): “Our hearts break across the country for the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and for all those lost. Sadly, it didn’t have to be this way. The terrorist attacks at the Kabul airport are a horrific national security and humanitarian disaster. This is a direct result of President Biden’s weak and failed leadership. This administration’s incompetence has led to the loss of American lives and has left countless more at risk.”
• U.S. Representative Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03): “Today is a dark day for the United States as we mourn the tragic loss of American service members who were serving in Afghanistan following a heinous terrorist attack. The blood of those slain and wounded today is on the hands of President Biden. Appallingly, he has acquiesced to the Taliban’s withdrawal deadline and accepted that some Americans may not be evacuated. Now, our enemies know President Biden is too weak to defend American citizens or rescue the Afghans who helped us. Due to Joe Biden’s failed leadership, terrorist organizations are emboldened to carry out attacks against American citizens.The United States’ international standing sinks lower and lower with each passing day of this debacle. President Biden’s dereliction of duty leads the American public, and the world at large, to ask the question: If President Biden is not willing to stand up for the lives and safety of American citizens and servicemembers, then what will he stand up for?”
Meanwhile, U.S. Representative David Scott (D-GA-13) said there is no justifying this week’s attacks.
“As the threat level on the ground increases, the work of our U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan to evacuate American civilians and our at-risk Afghan allies is more important than ever,” David Scott said.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) released a statement mourning the loss of U.S. service members.
“I condemn this cowardly and despicable terrorist attack,” Ossoff wrote.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Jody Hice” by Jody Hice.
