# What This Resolution Actually Does

This is a formal statement of criticism, not a law that changes anything. The House of Representatives is using it to express disapproval of how President Biden handled the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. Think of it like an official complaint letter rather than legislation that would require action or spending.

The resolution criticizes the President for not listening to military and intelligence advisors who warned that the Taliban would move faster than expected. According to the resolution, this led to a rushed and chaotic evacuation of American personnel and Afghan allies from the country. The sponsors point to specific moments—like when the President said in July 2021 that people wouldn't be evacuated from the embassy roof (which then happened weeks later), and when the military withdrew from Bagram Air Base without properly notifying the Afghan commander. The resolution also highlights that the State Department and Defense Department couldn't even say how many American citizens were still stuck in Afghanistan or when they'd all be evacuated.

The resolution calls on the President to do several things: account for all military equipment left behind in Afghanistan, explain how he'll fill intelligence gaps created by the withdrawal, keep evacuation operations going as long as needed for Americans and Afghan partners who want to leave, and keep the airport open. However, this resolution doesn't force the President to do anything—it's essentially Congress going on record saying they think the withdrawal was mishandled. It was introduced by Republican members of Congress and referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee, where it would need to be voted on to pass.

Condemns President Biden's failure to heed the advice of military and intelligence advisors about the speed and nature of the Taliban offensive, leading to a disorganized, chaotic, and abrupt evacuation of United States personnel and Afghan allies.

Waltz, Michael

 <p>This resolution condemns the President's failure to heed military and intelligence advisors about the speed and nature of the Taliban offense in Afghanistan and urges the President to commit to maintaining the evacuation operation as long as necessary to evacuate any U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Afghan partner who requests evacuation assistance .</p>