[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 71 (Monday, April 26, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                             Foreign Policy

  Madam President, now, on one final matter, the last few months have 
given the world a glimpse at what is driving the foreign policy 
decisions under the Biden administration. First came a rush to rejoin a 
climate agreement that does not effectively hold our competitors to 
their own commitments.
  Then, just weeks ago, there was the announcement of a total 
abandonment of Afghanistan that will squander our leverage to promote a 
diplomatic end to the civil war, put innocent Afghans at risk, roll out 
a red carpet for the Taliban, and embolden the terrorists.
  Even this administration's own intelligence chiefs and our military 
commanders are concerned about how we will stay a step ahead of 
terrorists in the region without access provided by our U.S. footprint.
  Late last week, we got a further peek at the incredible wishful 
thinking behind this policy. As reported in the New York Times, some 
Biden officials suggest the Taliban ``might govern less harshly . . . 
in order to win recognition and financial support.''
  The Secretary of State--America's top diplomat--seems to think it is 
that simple. He expressed hope that ``civilian and economic 
assistance'' could ``advance a just and durable peace . . . and a 
brighter future for the Afghan people.''
  The Deputy National Security Advisor was more dismissive of the 
Afghan people's plight, morally equating our Afghan partners and the 
Taliban as just ``two Afghan parties'' in a conflict.
  I do not believe Afghan women and girls are jumping for joy at the 
prospect of a Taliban takeover. In fact, as one of the New York Times 
headlines put it, ``Afghan Women Fear the Worst''--``Afghan Women Fear 
the Worst.''
  I certainly do not believe the Taliban will abandon their brutal 
fundamentalist ways just to secure recognition from the Western powers 
that they despise.
  Speaking of women's rights, over the weekend, the United Nations 
chose to further degrade its legitimacy by inviting Iran, of all 
countries, to join its Commission on the Status of Women. The U.N. 
chose to further degrade its legitimacy by inviting Iran to join its 
Commission on the Status of Women.
  Yes, you heard that right. The panel claiming principal international 
authority over the empowerment of women will now include a nation whose 
police are empowered to beat and assault women for improper veiling--a 
nation that turns a blind eye to pervasive domestic violence, forced 
marriage, and rape.
  And it is not just the U.N. that seems to be going soft on Tehran. 
The Biden administration seems willing--if not desperate--to provide 
sanctions relief up front, squandering leverage, just to reenter 
President Obama's flawed nuclear deal.
  This sanctions relief would benefit a regime that is being run by the 
extremist Islamic Revolutionary Guards. That is what Iran's own Foreign 
Minister admitted in leaked documents. That is who is running the 
show--the same terrorists who were used by Soleimani to spread violence 
across the region, before the prior administration removed him 
permanently.
  Republicans are not opposed to nuclear diplomacy, but we know that 
preemptive concessions will not secure a better deal or make America or 
our allies more secure.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. DUCKWORTH). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.