Part 4/9:
One of the more controversial topics discussed was USAID's involvement in Afghanistan post-August 2021, when the Taliban regained control. Testimonies revealed that funds were still flowing into the country despite there being substantial risks associated with NGO operations, including threats to their safety and claims of extortion by the Taliban, a designated terrorist organization. The staggering figure of $697 million was mentioned as having been allocated to Afghanistan in a single year, raising questions about accountability and direction of these funds.
Lawmakers expressed incredulity that while significant U.S. lives had been lost during the previous military engagement, financial resources continue to support an entity that poses an inherent threat to those very values.