Key Members of US Congress Pledge Support for the ANDSF and Afghan Air Force, Embrace Closer Cooperation with the Afghan Parliament

Washington, DC – The ongoing commitment to promote the interests of People of Afghanistan and build a strong bridge between the Afghan Parliament and the US Congress, Haji Ajmal Rahmani and his colleagues and DPPC held a series of meetings last week with US Members of Congress and news media in Washington D.C.

The purpose of their meetings was to ask Congress to wield its legislative power in a way that can protect the Afghan people from a Taliban military takeover. They requested Congress take immediate action to boost the morale and capability of the ANDSF. They asked for targeted support to address the ANDSF’s most pressing needs, particularly aircraft maintenance, logistics and air combat support for the Air Force. They also explained how Congress’ support of the Air Force will help to protect the women and children who are victims of the Taliban’s violent military offensive.

The sense of Congress was shock, sadness and anger at the Taliban’s latest military offensive and the dangers now facing ordinary Afghans. The lawmakers pledged continued financial support for the Afghan people and the ANDSF. They also asked for closer cooperation with the young reform leaders in Afghanistan’s Parliament.

The group met with a dozen Senators, Congressmen and women from the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee. These committees have the authority to approve and conduct oversight of US government funding and support for Afghanistan’s military, development, and humanitarian needs.

A few more Women MPs joined them for a meeting with the Women’s Peace and Security (WPS) Caucus. The WPS is a bipartisan group of Congressmen and women who support policies to protect the rights and safety of women and girls in conflict zones.

The group also met with several US and international news media organizations organized by the US State Department Correspondents Association. They also sat down with New York Times Editorial Board to share their views of the current situation in Afghanistan. In these meetings they reiterated the need for the US government to provide targeted support for the Afghan Air Force, and to take actions that boost the morale and capability of the ANDSF. Reuters, Agence France Presse and the Washington Times published stories highlighting their requests for US government assistance. The requests were echoed this week by former US National Security Advisor lieutenant general HR McMaster and former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann in op eds written in the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post respectively.

As the battle to save Afghanistan from the Taliban rages on, the group will continue their impactful work in Washington, DC with Congress and through the Afghan Parliament. They have a series of meetings planned over the coming weeks, including a visit to the United States.

The DPPC is a not for profit, non-partisan organization that works transparently and in accordance with the law. The DPPC works hand in hand with the reform leaders in Afghanistan’s Parliament who as part of their duty representing the people will continue to meet with and strengthen ties with Afghanistan’s allies and neighbors. There have been repeated attempts by certain groups to sideline us, but they will continue their efforts and will also continue to address these and other challenges in meetings.