Rep. Mike Waltz on Afghanistan: If the White House won't lead, Congress will

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Representative Gallagher's bill to get us some simple facts. How many Americans are stranded and are we going to get them home? Yes, these issues are important. We should debate these issues. Infrastructure, healthcare, all of these issues are critical to our country. But the number one job of the federal government is to keep Americans safe. And today, America is less safe. Americans are stranded behind enemy lines. And they are not all going to get out by August 31st. Colleagues, what happens in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan. It will follow us home. Terrorism is a cancer that once again will threaten the United States. I want everyone to see this picture and remember it. Osama bin Laden, which by the way, then Vice President Biden opposed the raid to bring this man to justice. His deputy, Ayman Zawahiri, know that name, now leading Al Qaeda, now has a terrorism playground for which to plot and plan attacks on the United States once again. The intelligence has been clear. Al Qaeda 3.0 will come roaring back. The Taliban equals Al Qaeda. And as we head into the 20th anniversary of 9-11, we once again are going to face the prospect of more Pulse nightclubs, San Bernardinos, and God forbid, another 9-11. What has me so upset, so flaming mad as a veteran, as a Green Beret that's had to fight this fight, is future soldiers are now going to have to go back and deal with this again. But now with no bases, no local allies, and a Taliban that's armed to the teeth with our own equipment. That is unconscionable, it's unacceptable. And if the White House won't lead, this Congress will. I yield my time.