McCAUL: An Afghan Withdrawal Investigation Update for Gold Star Families Roundtable

The Biden White House has failed to give these families a meaningful explanation. I'll not allow the administration to avoid accountability any longer.

By Cong. Michael McCaul

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Last week I had the privilege of hosting a roundtable with the Gold Star families of the 13 servicemen and women who were brutally murdered at Abbey Gate during President Biden's deadly and chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The parents of these brave young Americans gave powerful testimonies on the heartache they've endured after losing their sons and daughters.

Despite consistent efforts from the families, and my committee, the Biden administration has held no one accountable for this tragedy and continues to stonewall Congress by withholding key documents requested by my committee.

Moreover, this administration has failed to give these families a meaningful explanation as to why things went so catastrophically wrong.

I will not allow the administration to avoid accountability any longer. As I continue my investigation of the botched withdrawal, I requested key former and current State Department officials meet with the committee to provide additional detail, background, as well as an explanation for the disastrous decisions made before, and during the deadly withdrawal.

This was an unmitigated disaster of epic proportions, and the American people deserve to hear the truth from the Biden administration.

We will never forget the 13 servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price at Abbey Gate:
 

1. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza;
2. Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee;
3. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin “Taylor” Hoover;
4. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Christian Knauss;
5. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez;
6. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum;
7. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola;
8. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui;
9. Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page;
10. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo;
11. Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez;
12. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz; and
13. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak 

As we heard during the roundtable, the worst part is that their deaths could have been prevented.
 

• My full opening remarks, and the full roundtable can be found here.

Our veterans, these Gold Star families, and the American people deserve accountability from those responsible for this tragedy.

I won't stop until that happens. 
 

Congressman Michael McCaul represents Texas' 10th Congressional District, which stretches from Lake Travis outside of Austin to the Brazos Valley and includes: Austin, Bastrop, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Travis, Washington, Waller and Williamson Counties. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and previously – prior to being term-limited as chairman under the House of Representatives Rules – served as the Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee during the 113th, 115th and 116th Congresses.