House panel votes to restrict Afghan withdrawal, calls for evaluation of ‘incentives’ to attack US troops

The House Armed Services Committee voted Wednesday to put obstacles in President TrumpDonald John Trump House panel approves defense policy bill 0.5B House of Representatives panel votes against curtailment of Insurrection Law powers after heated debate Panel votes House of Representatives to restrict Afghan withdrawal, request evaluation on ‘incentives’ to attack US troopsThe ability to withdraw from Afghanistan, including the demand for an assessment of whether any country has offered incentives for the Taliban to attack US and coalition troops.

The amendment of the National Defense Authorization Law (NDAA), of the Rep. Jason CrowJason CrowHouse’s panel votes to restrict withdrawal from Afghanistan, requesting an assessment of ‘incentives’ to attack US troops. DOD Report Says Russia Works to Accelerate US Withdrawal from Afghanistan | ‘Gang of Eight’ to receive information on rewards on Thursday Democrats hope Russian rewards will be addressed in defense bill MORE (D-Colo.), Would require several certifications before the US military can further withdraw in Afghanistan.

The amendment was approved 45-11.

Rep. Liz CheneyElizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyHouse panel votes to restrict Afghan withdrawal, calls for evaluation of ‘incentives’ to attack US troops Defense overnight: House panel votes to ban Confederate flag on all Pentagon properties | DOD Report Says Russia Works to Accelerate US Withdrawal from Afghanistan | ‘Gang of Eight’ to receive information on rewards on Thursday Doug Jones publishes pro-mask campaign ad: ‘Our health depends on each other’ MORE (Wyo.), Republican number 3 of the House of Representatives, argued that the amendment “establishes, at a very responsible level of specificity, what will be required if in fact we are going to make decisions about troop levels based on the conditions based on what is required for our own security, not based on political deadlines. “

“And that is crucially important, and I think it is our number one priority.”

The amendment comes as Trump’s withdrawal deal with the Taliban remains precarious as high levels of violence persist in Afghanistan.

The United States Army has said it has dropped to 8,600 soldiers in line with the agreement to reach that level by mid-July. But military officials have insisted that any further reduction will be based on conditions on the ground that are not yet met, even when Trump is pushing for a rapid withdrawal.

The amendment also comes amid a firestorm in Washington over intelligence reporting that a Russian military unit offered rewards to Taliban-linked military personnel for killing US and coalition troops in Afghanistan.

Among the requirements of the amendment is an assessment of whether any of the “state actors have provided incentives to the Taliban, its affiliates or other foreign terrorist organizations for attacks against the United States, coalitions, Afghan security forces or civilians in Afghanistan in the last two years. ” including details of any attacks deemed related to such incentives. “

Rep. Seth MoultonSeth MoultonHouse’s panel votes to restrict withdrawal from Afghanistan, requesting an evaluation of “incentives” to attack US troops. DOD Report Says Russia Works to Accelerate US Withdrawal from Afghanistan | ‘Gang of Eight’ to receive information on rewards on Thursday Democrats hope Russian rewards will be addressed in defense bill MORE (D-Mass.) He framed the move as particularly important in light of the revelations.

“There have been bipartisan criticisms of what a weak deal is [Trump] with the Taliban, an agreement that is already crumbling, “said Moulton. “Now we knew that he was making this deal at the same time that there were rewards in the heads of the American troops, sons and daughters of the United States. We clearly need more oversight of what the President is doing in Afghanistan. “

Crow’s amendment would block funding from falling below 8,000 troops and then again below 4,000 troops unless the administration certifies that doing so would not compromise the US counter-terrorism mission in Afghanistan, would not increase risk. for US personnel it is in the best interest of the United States.

It would also require an analysis of the effects of a reduction in the Taliban threat, the state of human and civil rights, an inclusive Afghan peace process, the capacity of Afghan forces and the effect of evil actors on Afghan sovereignty. .

Rep. Matt GaetzMatthew (Matt) GaetzHouse’s panel votes to restrict Afghan withdrawal, calls for evaluation of ‘incentives’ to attack US troops House panel votes to limit Trump’s withdrawal in Germany Voters must vigorously reject the abuses of the president when voting in November MORE (R-Fla.), A staunch ally of Trump, argued that the amendment unfairly tied the hands of the administration.

“A great nation does not compel the next generation to fight its wars, and that is what we have done in Afghanistan,” said Gaetz. “I think the best day for not having had the war in Afghanistan was when we started, and the next best day is tomorrow.

“I don’t think there is a bad day to end the war in Afghanistan,” he added. “Our generation is tired of this and tired of this.”