Chairman Mast Applauds House Vote to Defund Biden’s Cash Payments to Taliban

Chairman Brian Mast praised the House’s vote to advance a bill halting U.S. cash payments to the Taliban. The bill, supported unanimously, aims to prevent American taxpayer dollars from reaching terrorist organizations. This legislative move follows concerns over past financial engagements with the Taliban. The measure now heads to the Senate for final passage.

In a significant move, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast commended a House vote aimed at defunding cash payments to the Taliban. The vote, which came today, supports a bill sponsored by Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee. This legislation seeks to prevent any U.S. tax dollars from reaching the Taliban, particularly in light of the Biden administration’s previous financial engagements with the regime following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Chairman Mast expressed strong sentiments about the vote, stating, “This bill makes sure not a single penny of American taxpayer money ends up in the hands of the Taliban—not directly, not through back doors, and not via weak-willed foreign governments or shady NGOs.” He emphasized that any funding to the Taliban is contrary to the interest of the United States, highlighting the importance of this legislative action.

The topic of defunding the Taliban has garnered considerable attention from House Republicans since last Congress. It came to light that cash shipments of approximately $40 million were routinely being sent to Afghanistan’s Taliban-controlled Central Bank. Furthermore, a report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction revealed that the Taliban had received over $10 million in taxes since their takeover in August 2021, an admission later confirmed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in December 2024.

In light of these revelations, Republicans, led by Rep. Burchett, introduced H.R. 6586 last Congress. This measure, aimed at blocking any financial support to the Taliban, earned unanimous approval in committee and on the House floor. However, Senate Democrats did not permit a final vote on the bill. This session, the No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act (H.R. 260) was put forth to build on previous efforts and reinforce the commitment to preventing U.S. taxpayer funds from aiding the Taliban.

Following its initial passage through the House Foreign Affairs Committee, H.R. 260 was advanced for consideration on the House floor. Congressman Burchett praised the Chairman and the committee for their relentless effort in bringing this vital legislation forward. He remarked, “We are one step closer to ensuring that U.S. dollars stop flowing to terrorist organizations.”

The bill is now set to move on to the Senate for final evaluation and voting, signaling ongoing efforts to restrict U.S. financial resources allocated to entities that compromise national and global security.

The House’s recent vote to advance a bill aimed at cutting off financial support to the Taliban marks a crucial step in addressing concerns over U.S. taxpayer money. Chairman Brian Mast’s endorsement emphasizes the U.S. commitment to ensuring that funds do not reach terrorist organizations. With bipartisan support, particularly from Rep. Burchett, the bill moves to the Senate for further consideration, reflecting a continued focus on national security and fiscal responsibility.

Original Source: gop-foreignaffairs.house.gov

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