Westmoreland Review

May 30, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) have sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin concerning the worsening situation in Niger. The letter calls for transparency from the Biden Administration, ensuring that no buildings, weapons, or equipment are handed over to Russian or Niger military forces. They also requested a classified briefing for Congress members regarding the crisis.

The letter states: "In Niger, President Biden’s weakness has resulted in another chaotic withdrawal to the benefit of Russia, China, and violent extremists aligned with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. This will certainly be yet another failed chapter of the president’s leadership."

Earlier this month, the Biden Administration announced that U.S. forces would withdraw from Niger by September 15, 2024. The junta in Niger has restricted U.S. presence in the country, impacting safety for Americans, troop resupplies, and diplomatic overflights.

Secretary Austin confirmed earlier this month that Russian military forces have gained access to Airbase 101 in Niger where American forces are currently stationed. This development follows significant U.S. investment in training Niger's military and constructing a $100 million installation at Airbase 201 last year.

Reschenthaler and McCaul were joined on the letter by Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Ben Cline (R-VA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Dan Meuser (R-PA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), and Austin Scott (R-GA).