Originally published September 21, 2023 12:55 pm PDT
In the aftermath of the controversial withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability is intensifying its investigations into the resettlement programs for Afghans in the United States.
The committee, addressing the large-scale relocations, has expressed concerns over the lack of “proper vetting procedures” during the evacuations.
The committee tweeted on Thursday, “Since the Biden Administration’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, more than 70,000 former Afghan nationals have been relocated to communities throughout the United States via U.S. federal programs.”
It added that it is “inconceivable that proper vetting procedures were followed during the chaos and disarray of the U.S. evacuation of Afghanistan,” raising questions regarding the individuals enrolled in “these domestic resettlement programs.”
The House Oversight Committee’s probe focuses on the transparency of the various programs instituted to aid the relocated Afghans, specifically the Operation Allies Welcome program led by the Department of State.
This program, in conjunction with several other agencies, is responsible for assimilating nearly “70,000 Afghans into local communities across the country.”
In a letter addressed to two senior officials overseeing Afghan resettlement, the committee detailed its intention to secure “documents and information pertaining to programs and their contractors that relocate Afghans into the United States.”
The objective is to gain insight into the management, objectives, and personnel involved in such programs.
Representative James Comer (R-KY) is spearheading the request for documentation and details relevant to these resettlement initiatives.
The committee outlined its inquiries, seeking clarifications and documents on the “contracts, agreements, memorandums of understanding, and any originating documents regarding the CARE program and other Afghan relocation efforts or programs.”
It is also keen on scrutinizing “documents and communications reflecting the purpose, mission, and goals” of such relocation programs and the plans to continue or terminate them.
To ensure a meticulous examination of these programs, the committee has demanded comprehensive material related to the hiring processes, practices, and requirements for employees, contractors, and case managers involved in the Afghan relocation programs.
Specifically, it is investigating the “vetting performed by the State Department and any contractors when hiring employees, contractors, and case managers to assist with the CARE program and/or other Afghan relocation efforts or programs.”
The committee has requested the responsive documents and pertinent information by October 5, 2023.
The probe is paramount, considering the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, as the principal oversight committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, holds expansive authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
This investigation reflects the ongoing scrutiny and questions surrounding the Biden Administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and subsequent resettlement efforts.
The thorough exploration of the involved processes and personnel is aimed at establishing transparency and addressing any potential lapses in protocol and management during these extensive relocation initiatives.
Late last month, former President Donald Trump hosted the Gold Star families of the 13 U.S. service soldiers who died in the suicide bombing at the Kabul Airport in 2021, according to a report from OAN.
“Trump reportedly surprised everyone by spending several additional hours with them after their meeting, during which he signed photographs of their children and even a pair of bejeweled high heels at one point,” the report noted.
