Hello, Friends —

This week I sent important updates on the unraveling situation in Afghanistan. Biden’s botched pull out of troops has dominated the news, but our primary focus now is to see that the needs of active duty military and veterans in Florida’s First District are met and your questions are answered. Below I relayed some important links, updates, and information, as well as a personal statement:

Click Here to Watch!

AFGHANISTAN UPDATE

Let me be clear: I maintain my support of withdrawing from Afghanistan, as I explain here in the Firebrand Podcast, but President Biden’s plan, or lack thereof, failed miserably. Leaving Afghanistan must come with our American troops and civilians in mind. As I said in my statement on Monday, the fundamental error was believing that the Afghan ‘government’ and ‘military’ would ever fight for or win anything. They fled the country with whatever they could steal at the first whiff of the Taliban. It wasn’t exactly Valley Forge, Concord, or Lexington. They were thugs and thieves, not patriots. Moreover, the Biden Administration falsely believed in the legitimacy of a corrupt Afghan Government. The right precautions were not taken to ensure that military equipment, paid for by the U.S. Taxpayer, did not fall into the hands of the Taliban or Iran. Sadly, that’s exactly what happened.

It is important that we focus on and prioritize the security and safety of evacuating Americans.

On Wednesday, the State Department released its most recent security alert, regarding Afghanistan. The security situation in Kabul will continue to change rapidly, including at the airport. Again, U.S. citizens seeking assistance to depart the country should complete this Repatriation Assistance Request for each traveler in their group. Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan who are awaiting immigrant visas should also complete this form if they wish to depart. 

GAETZ AND GORKA DISCUSS WHO SHOULD BE FIRED FOR AFGHANISTAN DEBACLE

Click Here to Watch!

Yesterday, I joined AMERICA First with Sebastian Gorka, as we discussed and spoke out against General Milley, Secretary Austin, and the Biden Administration's failure in Afghanistan.

CRT EPISODE OF FIREBRAND WITH MATT GAETZ IS OUT NOW

Click Here to Watch!

In Episode 3, I break down the racist ideology known as Critical Race Theory (CRT), expose the hypocrisy of lead CRT advocates, and provide marching orders for patriotic parents to fight back against CRT.

Make sure to tune in on Rumble or any other streaming platforms to watch Episode 3!

AROUND THE DISTRICT

HELPING CONSTITUENTS WITH ALL AFGHANISTAN ASSISTANCE

Our office has received several requests from constituents for assistance, which we continue to manage. As we monitor these issues, we also share the information below:  

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul has closed. U.S. citizens should not travel to the Embassy or the airport at this time.

U.S. citizens needing assistance to depart Afghanistan should register immediately, by filling out this Repatriation Assistance Request. This includes any option that may be identified to return to the United States, including registration of spouses and children. Citizens must complete this form even if they’ve previously submitted their information to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

It is also recommended that you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Applicants for Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) who were notified of travel eligibility to the United States through Operation Allies Refuge should wait for further instructions. Administrative processing of SIVs will continue to proceed and applicants will still be notified about the status of their cases.

Additionally, visa and passport appointments at the Embassy have been canceled. At this time, it is not possible to provide any further visa services in Afghanistan.

Should you have any questions and or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 850-479-1183.

LOCAL VETERANS

We are always standing by to assist local veterans for their immediate and distant needs. Please know that you always have options. There are resources and guides to help you in your time of need. Below is the local resource guide for the First Congressional District of Florida, where you will find valuable resources covering a variety of different needs.

Additionally, our office is always here to help with any federal agencies you might have a question about, including issues concerning the VA: Service connection claims;  medical care;  Veterans Choice;  pensions;  home loans;  life insurance;  education benefits;  burial benefits;  headstones;  local VA hospital appointments & medication; etc. We sincerely appreciate your service to our great nation and here to help.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please call The Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.

CLICK HERE to view the Military & Veterans Resource Guide

WHAT WE'RE READING

Fox News — August 19, 2021

Gen. Milley denies intel warned of rapid collapse, says nobody predicted Afghan security would 'evaporate'

GAETZ IN THE NEWS

Pensacola WEAR-TV — August 16, 2021

Rep. Gaetz criticizes Biden Administration's handling of Afghanistan

"Northwest Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz released a statement Monday morning regarding the Taliban capture of Kabul. At least seven people are dead amid chaos at the Kabul airport, including some who fell from a departing U.S. military transport jet."

Breitbart — August 16, 2021

Hawley: Biden’s ‘Disastrous Display of Incompetence’ Has ‘Provoked a Humanitarian Crisis

"On Monday, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) criticized Biden as well, agreeing with the withdrawal of troops but asserting the strategy and tactics were both “horrific and incompetent."

Breitbart — August 16, 2021

Matt Gaetz: Joe Biden Has ‘Failed in Afghanistan,’ He Should Fire Gen. Milley ‘Today’

"Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) blasted President Joe Biden on Monday for his response to the chaos in Afghanistan after the Taliban seized the country while the 78-year-old was on vacation at Camp David."