Demanding Answers for Gold Star Families
By Cong. Michael McCaul
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Texas Insider Report) — After the Biden Administration’s catastrophic and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan, the State Department conducted a 90-day internal analysis, titled the After-Action Review on Afghanistan (AAR). As chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have repeatedly requested to see the documents used in this investigation, or the “AAR files” — specifically the interview notes of key State Department officials.
These first-hand accounts are critical to my committee’s investigation, as they would provide direct insight into what went wrong, who bears responsibility, and how to prevent anything like this from happening ever again.
Fourteen months after I first requested these files, the State Department continues to withhold them — denying Congress, the American people, and our Gold Star families the answers they deserve.It is appalling that over two years after the deadly and chaotic withdrawal, the Biden administration continues to play politics with this tragedy.
That's why this week, I sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, threatening to hold him in contempt of Congress unless he provides these key documents.
Because of the Biden administration's failed withdrawal, 13 American servicemen and women paid the ultimate price. Thirteen grieving American families still don't have answers, and it's unacceptable.
- To read my letter to Secretary Blinken, click here.
- And to read more from Fox News, click here.
The Biden administration has chosen not only to abandon its responsibility to protect the states, but also to actively prohibit the states from protecting themselves. For border states like Texas, the consequences have been devastating.
Last week I introduced the CONTAINER Act, along with Reps. David Rouzer (R-N.C.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas), to codify states' ability to put temporary border barriers — including shipping containers — on federal land for at least one year.
I’m proud to lead this bill to empower Governor Abbott and state officials with one more tool to secure our border and keep Americans safe.
- Click here to read more about the bill.
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.
