Chairman McCall is set to hold a hearing in two weeks, where Generals Kenneth McKenzie and Mark Milley will testify on the Afghanistan issue. General Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, advised the president on Afghanistan, while General McKenzie oversees the region where Afghanistan is located.
The hearing aims to shed light on the involvement of individuals on the ground in the suicide bombing incident. Testimonies suggest that there were communication gaps between field operatives and the command center, leading to tragic consequences.
As the State of the Union address approaches, Speaker Johnson's handling of funding for conflicts in Ukraine and Israel has come under scrutiny. While funding for Israel was passed in the House but stalled in the Senate, efforts are being made to include provisions for Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific in a forthcoming supplemental bill.
Congress acknowledges the urgency of providing funding for these regions, given the escalating threats posed by Russia, China, and Iran. Speaker Johnson is expected to prioritize national security interests and expedite the funding process once regular appropriations are addressed.
The fallout from the Afghanistan withdrawal is seen as a pivotal moment in shaping U.S. foreign policy, with subsequent global events underscoring the need for swift and decisive action. The interconnected nature of these crises highlights the critical role of Congress in ensuring timely support for allies and strategic regions.