Media

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Responds to the Passage of the Afghanistan War Commission Act

December 15, 2021
Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 15, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is proud to announce that the Afghanistan War Commission Act of 2021 (H.R.6014) was passed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2022. 

This commission will be responsible for a thorough investigation of every aspect of US involvement in Afghanistan and must include examining top level strategic decisions, combat operations, efforts to train Afghan forces, intelligence work, diplomatic efforts, congressional oversight, corruption in the US-backed Kabul government, the development and execution of the Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program, the failure to evacuate our Afghan wartime allies prior to the withdrawal of US troops; the entirety of Operation Allies Refuge; and the collapse of the Afghan government and security forces after 20 years of American aid and investment. 

“IAVA commends lawmakers for passing such groundbreaking legislation. We are encouraged by the progress that establishing a 16-member, nonpartisan commission to study U.S. involvement in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021, shows in examining the political and strategic decisions that went into the longest war in our nation’s history,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “This commission provides actionable recommendations for our nation to progress from the past 20 years of war, and IAVA is confident that this bill is a strong first step in identifying past mistakes for a better future.”

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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