Cantwell, Colleagues Urge Biden to Create Two Specialized Positions to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan

Statement

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell joined Rabbi Will Berkovitz, CEO of Seattle-based Jewish Family Service (JFS), for a press conference highlighting Senator Cantwell's letter to President Biden calling on the administration to designate two high-level officials to coordinate efforts aimed at rescuing Americans and Afghans who remain at high risk inside Afghanistan. Senators Cardin (D-MD), Murray (D-WA), Blumenthal (D-CT), Feinstein (D-CA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Whitehouse (D-RI), Warren (D-MA), Wyden (D-OR), Booker (D-NJ), Heinrich (D-NM), Smith (D-MN), Reed (D-RI) joined Cantwell in signing the letter.

"The reason why we sent the letter is we know that we still have many people in Afghanistan that are stuck there, and they need the U.S.'s continued help and support. We're talking about some American citizens, immigrant visa holders, journalists -- including Voice of America, and NGO contractors who worked for the U.S. Embassy, or for humanitarian programs, or work with Jewish Family Services, and others that weren't evacuated by that August 31st deadline," said Senator Cantwell.

In the letter, Senator Cantwell and her colleagues urge the Biden administration to create two specialized leadership positions to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. One position would be within the White House to oversee the operational challenges of providing safe passage from Afghanistan for American citizens, lawful permanent residents, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants and holders, and the many other Afghans at risk whom we promised to assist following the withdrawal of American forces.

The other position is a Special Envoy at the State Department to oversee diplomatic efforts with allies and partners to hold the Taliban accountable to the commitments it has made regarding the freedom of movement, humanitarian support for the Afghan people, protecting Afghan women and girls, and to work to provide safe passage for those seeking refugee status or asylum.

In August, Senator Cantwell joined 45 of her Senate colleagues in urging the Biden administration to take swift, robust action to protect and support Afghan women leaders facing danger following the Taliban's seizure of Kabul. Cantwell's office is currently working on 1,800 open cases of individuals seeking safe passage out of Afghanistan.

Following a briefing on Afghanistan and U.S. evacuations, Cantwell stated, "I remain committed to the continued evacuations of Americans and our Afghan partners, and to providing humanitarian support to the Afghan people."

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