That focus on corruption has to be a very important focus in the future as I think it will dictate what the possible success of the country will look like after a conflict.

We must better define our strategic objectives, assign resources accordingly, and resist the temptations to do more than is necessary.

The culture in Afghanistan was so different than the culture that we are used to dealing with.

Finally, our approach in Afghanistan suffered from a lack of strategic coherence.

The second and most urgent task in front of this body is to look forward and mitigate the negative impacts of U.S. withdrawal.

Additionally, the failure to administer our Special Immigrant Visa program and assist American citizens on the ground is astounding.

I do not think that it was a failure because we tried to impose democracy in Afghanistan.

I think this is one of the more important hearings that we will hold.

We owe it to the people of Afghanistan, women and girls, religious and ethnic minorities, who are most affected by our departure.

I have introduced an Afghanistan oversight bill that has the support of nearly 30 of our colleagues.

I find it disappointing that the Secretary of Defense has refused to testify before this committee.

If you cannot get a handle on that, if it is endemic in the culture, it is a problem.

I think all of these things that have happened in the past are important to look at.

I think that has put our security at risk.

Our inability to effectively address Afghans' corruption hampered our diplomatic development and military efforts.

that is not the answer.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a letter form the Ethics and Public Policy Center that I'd like to submit for the record that explains why it's crucial for existing legal protections, for faith-based providers to remain in place.

Our programs to help those in need, including CSBG should all be focused on helping to raise individuals out of poverty.