May 30, 2024
Reschenthaler, McCaul, Colleagues Raise Alarm on Biden’s Failure in Niger
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin regarding the deteriorating situation in Niger. Reschenthaler and McCaul urged the Biden Administration to provide transparency to Congress, ensure no buildings, weapons, or equipment are handed over to the Russians or Niger military, and requested a follow-up classified briefing to members of Congress regarding this crisis.
In the letter, the members wrote:
“In Niger, President Biden’s weakness has resulted in another chaotic withdrawal to the benefit of Russia, China, and violent extremists aligned with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. This will certainly be yet another failed chapter of the president’s leadership.”
Background:
- The Biden Administration announced earlier this month that the Department of Defense will withdraw U.S. forces in Niger by September 15, 2024.
- The junta in Niger has restricted U.S. presence in the country, which has resulted in a lack of safety for Americans, troop resupplies, and diplomatic overflights.
- Earlier this month, Secretary Austin confirmed that the Russian military has gained access to Airbase 101 in Niger, where American forces are currently stationed.
- This follows the United States’ investment of millions of dollars in training for Niger’s military, including the construction of a $100 million military installation at Airbase 201 that was completed just last year.
- Undoubtedly, Russian forces and their paramilitary group will occupy this taxpayer-funded base once the United States fully withdraws from the country.
Reschenthaler and McCaul were joined on the letter by Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Ben Cline (R-VA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Dan Meuser (R-PA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), and Austin Scott (R-GA).
Read the full letter here.