John,

In the past 20 years that the United States has been involved in the Afghanistan war, nearly 6,500 Americans have died there. The swift seizure of control over the country by the Taliban is tragic, but it is past time for the longest war in our nation’s history to end.

We must do everything within our power to extract Americans and Afghans who aided our country during our military presence as swiftly and safely as possible.

We must also never forget the Afghan women and girls who have made immeasurable progress to gain the human rights they deserve, and must welcome Afghan refugees who have been driven from their ancestral homes with open arms.

I want to thank the members of our armed forces and their families, those who served valiantly for two decades, and those who ultimately sacrificed their lives. For those members who spent months, years, and decades in Afghanistan forging relationships with civilians, the images that have come out of the country are heartbreaking.

America has always been strongest when we are united. We must stand together to get through this difficult moment in our history.

Thank you,
— Hank Johnson