WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representatives Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Michael Waltz (R-FL), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), and Mike Rogers (R-AL) today introduced a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress disapproves of United States recognition of the Taliban and supports an Afghan Government-in-exile and the efforts to resist the Taliban in the Panjshir Valley.
“It should go without saying, the Taliban is not a legitimate government, it is a terrorist organization that is responsible for killing countless Afghan civilians and enforcing medieval Islamic law. We must support those who fight for and represent freedom, respect for basic human rights, and democratic forms of governance – that’s why it is crucial to maintain an Afghan government in exile and support the leadership of Amrullah Saleh and the resistance being formed against the Taliban in the Panjshir Valley,” said Representative Crenshaw.
“The diplomatic recognition of the Taliban is unacceptable, and President Biden must not make this mistake. The United States supports democracies and freedom for women, children, minorities, and religion. This resolution clarifies for the world where we stand,” said Representative Rogers.
“The United States has already sacrificed so much blood and treasure to ensure Afghanistan would not become another terrorist stronghold but those who want to attack the homeland will fill the vacuum following our withdrawal. The Taliban are brutal terrorists who should not be granted any international recognition or aid. We must support leaders in the Panjshir Valley who will serve as the bulwark against the resurgence of terror in the region and use their stronghold as a safe haven for those who want freedom over terrorism. They will be on the frontlines against Al Qaeda 3.0 and we must give them as much assistance as possible,” said Representative Waltz.
“We should have never withdrawn from Afghanistan in the first place, and our decision to do so has handed control of the country over to the Taliban, which will allow al Qaeda and other terrorist groups a sanctuary from which to plot and plan attacks against the United States. Moving forward, we should provide support to the brave Afghans operating in the Panjshir Valley in any and all ways as they combat the Taliban’s treacherous regime that continues to enable terrorism,” said Representative Cheney.
“The Taliban continue to be a threat to the American people and freedom-loving individuals around the world. Despite their own propaganda to convince folks otherwise, the Taliban has not changed or moderated. They have sowed chaos outside Hamid Karzai International Airport’s gates since they arrived in Kabul, and there are countless reports of violence throughout Afghanistan against those Afghans who fought for democracy and human rights alongside American and NATO forces. We must not tacitly endorse the Taliban coup and recognize them as a legitimate government. They are not. Even as the United States struggles to evacuate our citizens and Afghan allies, the Taliban not only refuses to afford the flexibility to safely complete our mission, but it also insults the victims of the 9-11 terrorist attack by denying Bin Laden’s role on that fateful day,” said Representative Wenstrup.
BACKGROUND
The resolution expresses Congress’ opposition to recognizing and engaging in diplomatic relations with the Taliban, which would legitimize them as responsible members of the community of nations. It goes further, and expresses support for maintaining the Afghan government mission in Washington, and all associated staff, as a government in exile. Finally, it recognizes the leadership of Amrullah Saleh and the resistance to the Taliban being formed in the Panjshir.