Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee has overwhelmingly approved a bill aimed at blocking American tax dollars from reaching the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), seeks to ensure that no financial or material assistance from the U.S. ends up in Taliban hands.
“This money has been taxed and stolen by the Taliban, yet we continue to send it oddly enough,” Burchett stated. “That definitely needs to end.”
The move comes amid growing scrutiny over U.S. funds allegedly entering Afghanistan following the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. Reports have pointed to over $5 billion sent to the country, with concerns that some of it may have indirectly supported the Taliban regime. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) noted in a 2024 report that more than $10 million had been paid to the Taliban in taxes since their takeover.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) emphasized the bill’s broader scope, saying it instructs the State Department to formulate a strategy to discourage both foreign governments and NGOs from sending aid that could benefit the Taliban.
“We don’t have an embassy there. We don’t have diplomatic relations with the Taliban,” Mast said. “We don’t want American tax dollars, in any way, shape or form, going to the Taliban.”
The Taliban-led Afghan government has denied the allegations. Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, claimed the funds in question were used for the evacuation of U.S. forces and resettlement of Afghan refugees. He maintained that the Taliban has not received direct aid from the U.S.
The bill is expected to advance to the full House for further debate in the coming weeks.
