Stefanik proposes 9/11-style commission to examine US involvement in Afghanistan

EXCLUSIVE: House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik doubled down on her calls to establish a 9/11-style commission to examine the United States’ involvement in Afghanistan, after top Pentagon officials testified in both the House and Senate this week, raising more questions on the Biden administration’s “failed” withdrawal of U.S. military assets.

"My main take away is the responsibility and accountability for the failed withdrawal rests only with Joe Biden," she said, adding that it is "clear" the president ignored advice from his military advisers to maintain a presence of U.S. troops in the region in order to "address our counterterrorism mission." 

Stefanik was referring to testimony from top officials who said they recommended maintaining a presence of 2,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Both Milley and McKenzie testified to that on Tuesday, and again Wednesday. Austin confirmed that their "input was received" by the president and considered by the president for sure." The White House, following their testimony, said that advice to maintain a U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan from military advisers was "split." 

But Stefanik slammed the response as insufficient.