Comer Slams Biden Administration For Obstructing Inspector General’s Afghanistan Investigation

WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today slammed the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for obstructing the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction’s (SIGAR) audits and congressionally mandated reviews. The Inspector General informed congressional leaders the agencies have refused to provide information and assistance, among other issues, about compliance with laws and regulations prohibiting the transfer of funds to the Taliban.

“The Biden Administration’s obstruction of the Special Inspector General’s investigation is unprecedented. For the first time in its more than 20 years of existence, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has informed Congress the Biden Administration is ‘unreasonably refusing’ to cooperate with several investigations. This tracks with the Biden Administration’s refusal to provide any information to Oversight Committee Republicans about the botched Afghanistan withdrawal. This is unacceptable and demands immediate congressional oversight. What does President Biden have to hide?

“The American people deserve transparency and accountability. While Democrats refuse to hold a single hearing on the deadly Afghanistan withdrawal, Republicans will continue to work to hold the Biden Administration accountable and will not allow executive agencies to sweep evidence under the rug. Secretary Blinken and Administrator Powers should expect to hear from us soon.”

Special Inspector General John Sopko’s letter to congressional leaders can be found here.