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The secretary was also questioned over civilian deaths, an accusation of antisemitic remarks and women in combat.
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The defense secretary testified on the eve of the 60-day mark of the war, a major statutory deadline for the president to withdraw forces or seek approval from Congress to continue the fight.
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WASHINGTON - In executing the Department of Homeland Security's leadership role in Operation Allies Welcome - the ongoing all-of-government effort to resettle vulnerable Afghans in the United States, including those who worked on behalf of the United States - Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas met yesterday with more than 20 leaders of the Afghan-American community to hear their views and recommendations for how to successfully accomplish this resettlement.
Yesterday's meeting follows another recent engagement that Secretary Mayorkas held with leaders of more than 35 national organizations to discuss ongoing resettlement operations. Participants in these wide-ranging discussions included Afghan-American organizations, resettlement agencies, domestic and international human rights organizations, and others. Participants spoke of the need for timely communication, individuals' needs assessments, cultural competency, language access, access to counsel, provisions of supplies, financial assistance, and other critical resources to support this challenging undertaking.
During these engagements, Secretary Mayorkas heard directly from members of the Afghan-American community about how the federal government can continue working closely with this community to ensure Operation Allies Welcome is undertaken efficiently and in a way that is informed by cultural competency. The Secretary also spoke with participants about the moral imperative to protect vulnerable Afghans, while protecting our national security and preserving our public safety. All participants recognized the unprecedented and complex nature of this resettlement effort. Secretary Mayorkas recognized that this historic Operation reflects our Nation's commitment to supporting those who assisted our country often at great risk to themselves and their families. Secretary Mayorkas expressed his commitment to executing Operation Allies Welcome through collaborative and transparent
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