Issa on Afghanistan Withdrawal: It’s Past Time for Congress to Uncover the Truth

Posted on August 15

“Two years ago, the Biden Administration pursued its catastrophic surrender and withdrawal from Afghanistan. This reckless and unsupported action was the President’s choice alone, and it led directly to the worst loss of life in Afghanistan since 2011, taking the lives of 13 of our brave servicemembers. He also abandoned hundreds of Americans in the country after promising he wouldn’t and stated only a few remained behind. This was a lie.

“For two years, this President has insisted that his deadly and desperate exit from Afghanistan was mistake-free and could not have been handled better.

“For two years, the White House press secretary’s statement that the surrender in Afghanistan cannot be called ‘anything but a success’ has not been amended or clarified.

“For two years, Secretary of State Blinken has also insisted that his department’s unprecedented failures in Afghanistan represent a ‘success’, while he has refused every effort to allow the American people to read the documented evidence of this Administration’s disaster in Kabul.

“Two years is a long time for the official record of this catastrophe to be marred with clear falsehoods and outright lies. It is long enough.

“Now is the time for Congress to undertake its obligation to conduct oversight and get the truth that has been denied the American people – especially the Gold Star families of the fallen in Afghanistan. They deserve the truth. We will not stop until our work is completed.”

Issa Calls for Congressional Remembrance of 13 Fallen Servicemembers in Afghanistan

U.S. Capitol Flags Flown at Half-Mast on Second Anniversary of Abbey Gate Bombing

On August 26, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) issued this statement following Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s decision to fly Capitol flags at half-mast today on the second anniversary of the bombing that killed 13 American servicemembers in the last days of the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“For two long years, the Gold Star families of the fallen in Afghanistan have waited for answers and accountability for the Biden Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Kabul. We know these mistakes and failures of leadership resulted in the deaths of these 13 brave servicemembers, but what came next only added to their family’s loss: President Biden has refused to meet with them, the Department of Defense has refused to answer key questions about their loved ones, and the State Department has withheld unclassified information about the withdrawal that the American people deserve to see—no matter how embarrassing it is to the Biden Administration.

“I called for the flags that fly over our Capitol to be lowered to half-mast today because this Congress should not flinch from recognizing the sacrifice these families have made and demonstrating our resolve to deliver the full measure of accountability they deserve.”

The names of the 13 fallen servicemembers are as follows:

• Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo
• Sgt. Nicole L. Gee
• SSgt. Darin T. Hoover
• Cpl. Hunter Lopez
• Cpl. Daegan W. Page
• Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez
• LCpl. David L. Espinoza
• LCpl. Jared M. Schmitz
• LCpl. Rylee J. McCollum
• LCpl. Dylan R. Merola
• LCpl. Kareem M. Nikoui
• HM3 Maxton W. Soviak
• SSgt. Ryan C. Knauss

Issa Resolution Commends VSOs, Veteran Advocacy Groups

Posted on September 12

Last month, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced a resolution to recognize the contributions of veterans service organizations (VSOs), veteran advocacy groups, and their millions of supporters and volunteers.

The resolution, H. Res. 642, underscores the integral role they have all played over the last century in supporting American servicemembers, veterans, and military families through advocacy, financial assistance, and much more.

“VSOs and veteran advocacy groups are the twin foundations that support, guide, and help millions of America’s servicemembers and their families every day,” said Rep. Issa. “Our resolution shines a light not only on the efforts of these organizations and their volunteers, but also a grateful nation.”

VSO and veteran advocacy group statements:

Pat Murray, National Legislative Director, VFW
“The members of the VFW faithfully served our country in uniform and continue to serve in their communities every single day. Since 1899 the men and women of the VFW have carried on the tradition of still serving by volunteering in towns and cities across the United States, its territories, and abroad. The VFW is honored to be among the many organizations recognized by this bipartisan resolution and will strive to continue living up to the standards set by those who came before us, and endeavor to leave behind a legacy for those who come after us.”

Keith Wetherell, Executive Director, AMVETS of IL
“Veterans Service Organizations, like AMVETS Department of Illinois, work every day to better the lives of veterans and their families. We are incredibly proud that our members not only bravely served this country, but now continue to volunteer to serve their fellow veterans today.”

David Cook, Executive Director, SOAA
“Our nation owes so much to its Veterans. Our Freedoms, yes, but also not living in fear of an invasion or threat of violence from abroad. Veteran Service Organizations, Advocates, and Volunteers, who are often themselves Veterans, work tirelessly to give back to our Troops. Thank you, Rep. Issa for recognizing this important community of champions and the impact they have in honoring our heroes.”

Independence Fund
“The Independence Fund thanks Congressman Issa and the bipartisan Members who cosponsored H.Res. 642, to recognize the patriotism and contributions of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), veteran advocacy groups, and volunteers,” said The Independence Fund CEO, Sarah Verardo. “As a VSO who serves catastrophically wounded Veterans and their Caregivers, we work tirelessly to support our Nation’s heroes and constantly strive to enhance the quality of life for those who served. We are grateful for the acknowledgement and recognition by Congressman Issa, and his longstanding support of the Veteran community.”

Paralyzed Veterans of America, Cal-Diego Chapter
“Paralyzed Veterans of America, Cal-Diego Chapter wholeheartedly supports Representative Darrell Issa – sponsored H.Res.642 – Recognizing the patriotism and contributions of veterans’ service organizations, veteran advocacy groups, and volunteers. Recognizing their contributions is a first-class bipartisan initiative.
H.Res.642 aims to give homage to those sometimes forgotten yet some of the most deserving.”

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

Issa: “Culture of Corruption is Crippling the Biden Presidency”

Full support of House Impeachment Inquiry

Posted on September 12

Statement by Congressman Darrell Issa

“I fully support the decision today by Speaker McCarthy. The initial evidence uncovered by this Congress is overwhelming and the time has come. As a Senior Member of the Judiciary Committee, I look forward to contributing to this inquiry and revealing the full facts regarding the President’s actions.

“The evidence uncovered to date is both troubling and incontrovertible. From his earliest days in office, President Biden has misstated key facts about his knowledge, participation, and profiteering from the selling of access and the peddling of influence undertaken by his family and friends. He has inappropriately delayed, denied, and stonewalled congressional inquiry and oversight into one scandal of his term after another. And he has relentlessly misled the American people.

“Enough is enough. With this formal inquiry, Congress will utilize its full capabilities to conduct its constitutional duty and complete a full unearthing of the culture of corruption that is crippling this presidency and staining the highest office in the land.”

ICYMI

Issa Slams Promise by Democrat ‘Smear Merchant’ to Stop Biden Accountability by Going After Innocent GOP Family Members

On September 14, Congressman Darrell Issa issued the following statement after longtime Democrat operative David Brock pledged to target the families of Republicans participating in an inquiry investigating credible evidence and sworn whistleblower testimony of Joe Biden’s personal corruption.

“Nothing says desperation like threatening to sic a smear merchant on innocent families,” Issa said. “This is all you need to know about how worried Democrats and the White House are about having to answer for Joe Biden’s culture of corruption.”

“No one should be surprised this is happening – especially after the White House publicly instructed mainstream media outlets to start attacking Republicans.”

Read the full article here.
Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 48th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and eastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, Poway, Temecula, Murrieta, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.