LANGHORNE, PA – Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) released the following statement following the terrorist attacks in Kabul:

“Today, our worst fears came true. Our own blood and treasure—devoted U.S. service members—and a number of innocent Afghans were killed in a series of explosions outside of the Hamid Karzai Airport and the Baron Hotel in Kabul. And even more are critically injured. It simply did not have to be this way. My heart breaks for our troops, their loved ones, and our Afghan allies.

I remain clear on my insistence that we safely return home every American citizen and Afghan partner fleeing the country as quickly as possible. It is increasingly evident that the Administration’s arbitrary August 31st withdrawal deadline does not allow for a complete evacuation. The Taliban must understand that they do not dictate the timeline on saving the lives of Americans, our allies, and our loyal Afghan partners, who have stood by our side for two decades. We must leave no one behind. 

As a member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I implore the Administration to change its course and commit to remaining on the ground until the mission is complete. Anything short of that is unacceptable.”

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