US House Rep Susan Davis' office issued the following earlier this week:
Washington, October 21, 2019
Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53), a senior member of
the House Armed Services Committee, made an unannounced visit to
Afghanistan and Jordan with a high-level bipartisan congressional
delegation led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The delegation met with top
diplomats, military leaders and troops, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani,
and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
“I was pleased to be a part of this delegation trip
designed to strengthen relationships with our allies and discuss
national security issues, especially in light of the deepening crisis in
Syria after Turkey’s military incursion and increased violence by the
Taliban,” said Rep. Davis. “This delegation trip provided members with
the latest information on the ground and will inform us as we continue
to create U.S. policy toward the region.”
The peace process with the Taliban was the top subject in a
briefing the delegation received from Ambassador John Bass. The
briefing also covered the pending results from the presidential election
in September.
In Afghanistan, the delegation met with President Ghani,
Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other senior government officials.
The discussion focused on addressing corruption, which undermines
security and economic stability for the Afghan people. Ensuring women
have a seat at the table on all aspects of Afghanistan’s future was also
heavily emphasized, and this issue remains a top priority for Davis.
“As someone who has traveled to Afghanistan many times,
expanded opportunities for girls and women in Afghanistan are a key
component to lasting peace and prosperity in the country,” said Davis.
Davis has been instrumental in ensuring that a portion of
the U.S. funding for the Afghan Security Forces goes towards the
recruitment and retention of women. The delegation met with civil
leaders in Afghanistan, including Afghan women.
The delegation received operational briefings from General
Austin Miller, U.S. commander of Resolute Support Mission, and Defense
Secretary Mark Esper, who was also in Afghanistan. Members traveled to
Camp Morehead where they met U.S. troops and Afghan security forces.
This trip marks the 16th time Davis has traveled to
Afghanistan. Since 2007, Davis has led an annual bipartisan Mother’s Day
trip with women in Congress.
Prior to Afghanistan, members met with King Abdullah II of
Jordan, Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Prince Feisal bin Al
Hussein, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and senior Jordanian officials.
The meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between
the U.S. and Jordan. The discussion focused on regional stability and
security, counterterrorism efforts, the goal of peace in the Middle
East, and economic development.
Other members on the trip included Rep. Mac Thornberry
(R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Chairman
Eliot Engel (D-NY), House Foreign Affairs Committee; Chairman Bennie
Thompson (D-MS), House Homeland Security Committee; Chairman Adam Schiff
(D-CA), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Rep. Ron Kind
(D-WI), House Ways and Means Committee; Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA),
Chairman, House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security;
and Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA), member of the House Armed Services
Committee.
