WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney on August 16 released the following statement on the current situation in Afghanistan:

“The situation unfolding in Afghanistan is absolutely heartbreaking, and as Chairwoman of the Oversight Committee, I intend to do everything in my power to protect American citizens and the U.S. homeland, and to ensure that the human rights of all Afghans are protected during this tumultuous time.

“The disturbing scenes from Kabul International Airport highlight just how dire the situation is for so many Afghans. I am especially fearful for the women and girls of Afghanistan, who have fought for 20 years to gain the basic human rights and dignity they deserve, and are now at risk of having that progress suddenly stripped away from them by the Taliban.

“Just as we relied on our Afghan allies and translators who served alongside U.S. forces over the last two decades, these brave men and women, and their families, are now depending on us. We have a moral responsibility to them, and I am deeply grateful to President Biden, the Department of Defense, and the 6,000 servicemembers deployed to the region to help facilitate their safe passage out of Afghanistan.

“Finally, this is an extremely difficult moment for the thousands of servicemembers and veterans who served in Afghanistan—and their families—and I want them to know that the United States is grateful for their sacrifices, which have helped keep America safe. I also want to encourage all servicemembers and veterans to make use of the resources available them, including the Veterans Crisis Line which is available 24/7 online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat, via text at 838255, or via phone at 1-800-273-8255 x1.”