The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on December 31, 2024, to assess the State Department's withdrawal from Afghanistan, focusing on the ongoing situation of American citizens remaining in the country. The meeting highlighted critical discussions regarding the number of Americans still in Afghanistan and the challenges faced during the evacuation process.

During the session, committee members expressed concerns about the fate of Americans who were left behind after the withdrawal. It was revealed that approximately 6,000 Americans remained in Afghanistan at the time of the evacuation, most of whom were dual citizens with deep ties to the country. Despite extensive efforts by the State Department, including 19 outreach messages and offers to cover travel costs, a few hundred Americans were still unable to reach the airport for evacuation by the August 31 deadline.

The Secretary of State emphasized that there is no deadline for assisting Americans who wish to leave Afghanistan. Since the end of the evacuation, the U.S. government has successfully facilitated the departure of 500 American citizens who identified themselves and expressed a desire to leave. The Secretary assured the committee that efforts to assist those still in Afghanistan would continue indefinitely.

Concerns were also raised about the treatment of Americans who returned to Afghanistan after the evacuation. The Secretary confirmed that the State Department is actively working to secure their release if they encounter detention or other issues.

The meeting underscored the complexities of the withdrawal and the ongoing commitment of the U.S. government to support American citizens in Afghanistan. The discussions highlighted the need for improved communication and registration processes for Americans in conflict zones to prevent similar situations in the future.