Congressman Johnson's Weekly Update

MARIETTA, OH — Here is the latest news release from Southeastern Ohio's duly elected U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson.

Live in Marietta? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow Marietta Patch on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free Patch mobile app on Android or iPhone.

Biden Administration Must Be Held Accountable for Afghanistan Failure

As a 27-year Air Force veteran who served at U.S. Special Operations Command, I see the situation in Afghanistan as the biggest national security/military strategic planning and operational execution failure in modern American history. I’ve come to the conclusion that if President Biden’s top advisors, including Secretary Austin, Secretary Blinken, and General Milley recommended this desperately flawed withdrawal plan to the President, then they failed in their duties, they should apologize to the American people, and they should resign…because they cannot continue in their current roles given what the world has witnessed over the last couple weeks. And if this is not the plan they recommended to the President, then they have a moral responsibility to tell the American people that Joe Biden is not up for the job of Commander-in-Chief. The entire Biden Administration has absolutely no remaining credibility at home or abroad at this point. In fact, the position of the White House, in the wake of yesterday’s horrific attacks that left 13 brave Americans and scores of innocent civilians dead, shockingly seems to be that there’s nothing they should or would have done differently.

The current situation was totally avoidable but sadly predictable. My service and training taught me that leadership requires a full understanding of the threat and how to plan for changing conditions and enemy actions along the entire continuum of circumstances. But, it doesn’t take military training to recognize that President Biden and his top advisors have miserably failed this critical leadership test.

Our 4, 3, and 2-Star theater combatant and field commanders are very capable of getting the remaining Americans out of Afghanistan. All Joe Biden and his cabinet must do is give the orders, then get out of the way. If the orders aren’t given, more Americans and Afghans will needlessly die. Instead of giving embarrassing speeches, shirking responsibility, and blaming previous administrations, Joe Biden must summon the courage to do whatever it takes to bring every single American home. If he can’t do that, then it’s time for him to reconsider if he is the right person for the job.

I spoke Thursday night about how the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan is one of the most outrageous failures in modern American history. Click here to view the news clip. Now, the terrorists are on offense because they see America running with our tail tucked between our legs and unable to protect our own citizens. You are going to see bigger problems and the worst is yet to come.

Additionally, I echoed many of the same sentiments earlier this week on Fox Business Network - before Thursday's deadly attack.

###

This news release was issued by Congressman Bill Johnson's office. Any opinions expressed within are the author's own.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Marietta Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of our latest sponsors? Email any and all inquiries to me at christopher.schmitt@patch.com