Political Quotes

“Retaining my time, Mr. President, I disagree, obviously, with the Senator from Missouri. The Senate Armed Services Committee has had extensive oversight on Afghanistan. The committee actions include seven public and closed hearings regarding the Afghan war, lessons learned, and ongoing regional counterterrorism requirements since the withdrawal last August. Senator Hawley had the opportunity to participate in each of these hearings. The fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act contained a provision that mandated that the Department of Defense deliver quarterly briefings in both unclassified and classified form on the security situation in Afghanistan and ongoing counterterrorism efforts. The classified briefings have taken place on January 20, April 14, and July 21. The unclassified briefings have taken place on February 14 and April 25. Most recently, on October 19, the committee held unclassified and classified briefings, and Senator Hawley has full access to these briefings. The fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act also contained a provision, section 1069, which requires the yearly assessment of our ``over the horizon'' counter-terrorism capabilities in Afghanistan. The committee has received the first installment, and this, too, is accessible to all members of the committee.…”