Chairman Lynch's Opening Statement [PDF]

Washington D.C. (Sept. 18, 2020)—On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. ET, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, will hold a hearing to examine the Trump Administration’s strategy in Afghanistan, including the February 29, 2020, U.S.-Taliban peace agreement, ongoing efforts to facilitate intra-Afghan reconciliation, and the ramifications of these diplomatic negotiations for the Afghan people, regional stability, and U.S. national security.

At the hearing, Members will question the Trump Administration about whether the U.S.-Taliban agreement could jeopardize the security, political, and economic gains the Afghan people—especially women and girls—have made in recent years.  Members will also address the long-term national security implications of reducing foreign development and reconstruction assistance to the Government of Afghanistan.