Rep. Mike Waltz Presses Sec. Austin, Gen. Milley & Gen. McKenzie on U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan

U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-6) pressed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and Commander of U.S. Central Command General Kenneth McKenzie on the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on September 29, 2021.



About U.S. Representative Michael Waltz

Congressman Michael Waltz represents Florida’s 6th congressional district, which includes Flagler and Volusia counties as well as portions of Lake and St. Johns counties. Michael is a proud Florida native, combat-decorated Green Beret, former White House and Pentagon policy advisor, small business owner, and a proud father.

Michael was born in Boynton Beach, FL and grew up in Jacksonville. He was raised by a hard-working single mother and is the son and grandson of Navy Chiefs. Michael has always felt called to serve his country. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and has served over 20 years in the U.S. Army. After being commissioned as an Army lieutenant, Michael graduated Ranger School and was selected for the elite Green Berets. He has served all over the world as a decorated Special Forces officer with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. During his time in Afghanistan, Michael led the teams searching for Pvt. Bowe Berghdal, who deserted his post. Upon Berghdal’s return to the U.S., Michael was one of the first to call into question then-President Obama’s labeling of Berghdal as a hero and has continued to lead call for justice on behalf of all the service-members Berghdal’s desertion put in harm's way.

Michael’s public service continued in the Pentagon where he was a defense policy director for Secretaries of Defense Rumsfeld and Gates. Michael then went on to serve in the White House as Vice President Dick Cheney's counterterrorism advisor, which allowed him to see first-hand the difficult decisions the President and his Cabinet must make to protect our national security. During his time as a policy adviser, Michael continued his military service and directly implemented the strategy he helped devise. His experiences as a soldier and a policy advisor inspired him to write his own book, “Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret’s Battles from Washington to Afghanistan,” the proceeds of which continue to benefit the Green Beret Foundation.

Following his time in the White House, Michael co-founded a small business that grew from just a handful of employees working from home to over 400 employees in Florida, Virginia, and nine countries throughout Europe and the Middle East. Their work supported the Departments of Defense and Treasury with analysis of terrorist financing and specialized training. As a business owner, Michael experienced first-hand how over-regulation and Obamacare obstructed small business growth ­– which is why he has been a proud supporter of the tax relief and deregulation under the Trump Administration. A former Fox News Channel contributor, Michael has excelled as a media commentator, providing expert commentary on foreign policy and defense issues to viewers around the world.

As an Army veteran and National Guardsman, Michael knows how to accomplish a mission for his country. This is the warrior attitude he brought with him to Washington when he was sworn in to represent Florida’s 6th congressional district in 2019. Michael is determined to be part of the new generation of leadership in Congress – servant leaders who lead by example with their values and deliver results. His commitment is the same now as it was in combat: to serve with everything he has, without regard for his own self, and with a sense of duty.

Michael is the father of a teenage girl. He lives in St. Johns County.

Rep. Michael Waltz serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in the 116th Congress.

Florida’s 6th District includes a large portion of northeast and central Florida, including Flagler, Volusia, Lake and St. Johns Counties.

[MidsierramusingBlogspot]

This was not time wasted and posturing for voters back home like some of the questioners. This was revealing by someone who knows what the downstream consequences will be. Thank you Representative Waltz.

[AfghaniFreedomFighters]

Support Rep. Waltz. He is a true hero of America.

[conquerordie]

These are real questions that real Americans have. Thank you sir for your due diligence.

[ronhomolka]

Waltz is one smart guy, he understands this part of the world. He had to, he lived it.

[jasonsc]

Someone with balls calls them on their BS. Now they need to be held accountable.

[wkahn]

The 3 STOOGES want the AUTHORITY but not the RESPONSIBILITY
when the $H!T hits the fan...Its everyone else's FAULT

[garyK.ACP]

He's my congressman! Formerly, Ron DeSantis was. I was worried when DeSantis became Governor, but Waltz has been excellent. This guy is great to have on this committee. He KNOWS what he's talking about and that makes them very uneasy.

[bobsacamano]

Don’t just chastise them, actions need to be taken against these clowns so this won’t happen again

[craigwhitehead]

I'm retired military, served over 20 years with two combat tours. For once I can say I am ashamed to be called an American.

[TheDaddychad]

We are all calling for all their jobs and prison time for all!

[TheRockIslandRock]

When the top of the chain lies how can the subordinate personnel continue? Has the truth gone away? I’m sad to be American because of these ppl.

[HeartHeartBooks]

Here is the giant elephant in the room:
A Senator that has more knowledge of Military Logistics then the whole damn Chief's of Staff! Pitiful!
If he had been in charge of the pullout in Afghanistan things would have gone a whole lot better!

[JBCCT]

One of the best assessments I have heard in congress. Bravo Rep Waltz!

[MClavo-cfyg]

They cannot BS Waltz because he's a Green Beret and unlike them, he has a significant and fundamental understanding of exactly what is going on and what will happen.

[phineasrice]

General Treasonous must be removed from his position!

[lindahall]

Thank you Rep. Waltz for your clear and concise explanation of the frightening situation our country is now faced with by the reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan.

[rolandboeing]

Why is "time expired" on the war's questions to the general who prefer answer in the hiding room ?

[chrisbrimhall]

Mr Waltz is an ex Green Beret....I have way more respect than these others

[bladehoner]

Thank you for being bold and bringing up all the critical info you did. I want to see some accountability with what just happened in Afganistan.

[sha]

Loved his line of questioning and his specific info he shared with the American people.
The dangers we face now due entirely on the hasty decisions and failures of Biden are a terrifying reality that will occur in the future.
It didn’t need too happen.