WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, on Tuesday released the following statement on the Taliban’s formation of a caretaker government:

“The formation of a Taliban-led government does not automatically lend them legitimacy. The United States and the rest of the world will be watching closely to see how they choose to govern in the coming weeks, especially given recent reports on the Taliban’s crackdown on journalists and women’s rights. I will also continue advocating for the United States to use its leverage to evacuate American citizens, green card holders, and SIV applicants,” said Murphy.

Last month, Murphy said on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper that the U.S. should not formally recognize the Taliban. Murphy authored an op-ed in USA Today in support of President Biden’s decision to end the longest war in our nation’s history. Murphy released a statement after the Taliban took control of the presidential palace in Kabul.

Murphy’s office has worked on over 100 cases for Connecticut residents who’ve reached out regarding family members who remain in Afghanistan. The office continues to support those who wish to leave Afghanistan, as well as Afghan families who have arrived in Connecticut to build a new life.

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