The decision to withdraw under the previous Administration--a decision that I questioned when Secretary Pompeo was sitting in your seats in this committee 4 years ago this month.

I asked why we had abandoned previous U.S. policy regarding negotiations directly with the Taliban, undercutting the Afghan government.

We left Americans behind. We left our Afghan allies behind to die. And, we have to accept that.

We continue to pay the price around the world, specifically in Ukraine.

Is this how we repay our allies?

There will be accountability. And, I'll have resignations or impeachments one way or another.

We continue to pay the price around the world with the perceived weakness of America.

The fact that American troops found themselves dependent on the Taliban for perimeter security and assistance is a disgrace.

The American people deserve answers to understand why these tragedies unfolded.

If we're going to have an entire hearing... and we say, not one person was held accountable that made these decisions, then how can we learn?

The Administration needs to take responsibility for its staggering failures.