Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH), Lead Republican of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence introduced the Preventing Terrorist Transfers to Afghanistan Act which would end the transfer of individuals who are associated with terrorist organizations to Afghanistan. This piece of legislation reaffirms a provision included in theFY23National Defense Authorization Act.
 
“Congress has a duty to protect the American people from threats like terrorism,” said Turner. “Quickly after the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, the Taliban took control of Kabul and the region became a safe haven for terrorists again. It is a detriment to our national security to transfer individuals with suspected connections to terrorists organizations to Afghanistan. This move would only benefit non-state actors who pose a threat to Americans and our troops overseas.”
 
Most recently, the Administration released Asadullah Haroon Gul, an individual who is accused of having a connection with Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA). This organization is known to be an “associated force” with al Qaeda.
 
This bipartisan piece of legislation was co-introduced with Marc Veasey (D-TX). In addition, a Senate companion of the bill was introduced by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).
 
Read the full legislation here.