DAYTON, OH – Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) demanded that the Biden Administration provide the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) with all necessary information and proper documentation regarding the U.S. taxpayer-funded programs and operations in Afghanistan, both prior to and following the government's collapse.
Congress created SIGAR in 2008 to provide independent and objective oversight of Afghanistan reconstruction projects and activities. Although previous administrations have cooperated with SIGAR’s investigative efforts, today USAID and the Department of State have yet to provide information and assistance requested by SIGAR.
Dear President Biden,
I write to request that your administration move swiftly to provide necessary information and assistance requested by the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR).
Since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan nearly a year ago, the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have not provided SIGAR with any meaningful documentation related to Afghanistan, despite a Congressional mandate to review, among other things: (1) the collapse of the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan; (2) State and USAID compliance with laws and regulations prohibiting the transfer of funds to the Taliban; and (3) ongoing humanitarian and development programs supporting the Afghan people.
This is a recent development. For more than a decade, administrations of both parties have cooperated with SIGAR’s investigative efforts in accordance with U.S. law and provided timely and thorough responses.
I am concerned that further delays will significantly obstruct SIGAR’s necessary oversight work. I urge you to make all efforts to ensure that the historic cooperation between SIGAR and the Department of State and USAID recommence.
The American people deserve a full accounting of the investments in the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces and the Afghan government as well as the causes leading to the collapse of the U.S-backed government, compliance with U.S. law, and ongoing humanitarian efforts. Support from your administration is critical in enabling timely and accurate investigations into those matters.
Thank you for your consideration to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
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