WASHINGTON, 10 December 2020, (TON): The US House on Tuesday passed a $741 billion defense policy bill that would take steps to slow or thwart US President Trump’s planned withdrawal of American troops from Germany and Afghanistan.

 The bill contains a provision that would require the Trump administration to submit a comprehensive, interagency report and certification prior to obligating or extending funds to drawdown US military personnel in Afghanistan “below troop levels of 8,000 and 4,000.”

 The US Senate come up with an amendment that would adjust the troop level thresholds, modify certain reporting requirements, and adjust the waiver available to the Secretary of Defense. 

“The conferees reaffirm that it is in the national security interests of the US to deny terrorists safe haven in Afghanistan, protect the United States homeland, uphold the United States partnership with the Government of Afghanistan, and protect the hard-fought gains for the rights of women, girls, and other vulnerable populations in Afghanistan,” according to the US bill. 

 It further said that the conferees note the South Asia strategy emphasizes the importance of a conditions-based United States presence in Afghanistan in support of ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the conflict.  

Moreover, It also note that any decision to reduce the armed forces of the United States in Afghanistan should be done in an orderly manner and in coordination with United States allies and partners and the Government of Afghanistan. 

 “Additionally, prior to withdrawal, the United States should seek to secure the release of any United States citizens being held against their will in Afghanistan,” it said adding that “The Administration has a constitutional obligation to provide the Congress and the American people with regular, timely, and comprehensive information on the status of security operations and diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan and across the globe. 

 “Today the House sent a strong, bipartisan message to the American people: Our service members and our national security are more important than politics,” Democratic Representative Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, Trump ordered the new withdrawal to be completed by Jan. 15, five days before he leaves office, aiming to leave about 2500 troops in Afghanistan.

However, citing security reasons, he did not disclosed details of troops withdrawal plans.