Nashville Standard

Rep. Mark Green delivered remarks during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, focusing on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The hearing assessed the State Department's actions during the withdrawal process.

Green expressed gratitude for those who served in Afghanistan, acknowledging their sacrifices and emphasizing that their service was not in vain. He criticized Secretary Blinken and President Biden for leaving Americans and allies behind, stating, "Your delayed appearance before this Committee is a disgrace to those Americans who died in Afghanistan."

He further accused Blinken of failing to prepare a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) plan, which he argued led to confusion and left thousands of evacuees in limbo. Green recounted a conversation with former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who reportedly requested an additional five days to evacuate British personnel but was denied by President Biden.

Green concluded by questioning why the State Department did not heed warnings from senior leaders at the Department of Defense to prepare adequately for the drawdown period.